Yudh Kaushal 3.0 – Indian Army’s HighIntensity Combat Drill in Arunachal Pradesh

Introduction

  • Yudh Kaushal 3.0 is a highintensity Indian Army combat drill conducted in the Kameng region of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The exercise is part of the Yudh Kaushal series, which focuses on combat readiness, operational effectiveness, and integration of modern technologies.

Why in news?

  • The Indian Army conducted Exercise Yudh Kaushal 3.0 in the Kameng region of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Yudh Kaushal 2025 was conducted by the IV (Gajraj) Corps.

Background

  • Exercise Yudh Kaushal is a series designed to strengthen combat readiness and operational effectiveness.
  • It employs multidomain operations by combining traditional warfare with nextgeneration technologies such as drones, unmanned systems, precision weapons, secure communications, and advanced tactics.
  • It often features joint operations with the Indian Air Force, and participation from the Indian defence industry and academia.

Significance

  • Enhances the Indian Army’s preparedness through realistic, technologyenabled, multidomain operations.
  • Demonstrates integrated capabilities including drone surveillance, realtime targeting, precision strikes, air–littoral dominance, and cohesive battlefield tactics.
  • Marks the operational debut of ASHNI platoons, the Army’s dedicated drone units that blend advanced technology with proven combat tactics to give infantry a decisive edge in nextgeneration warfare.

Facts/General knowledge

  • Location: Kameng region, Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Conducting formation: IV (Gajraj) Corps.
  • Multidomain focus areas: drone surveillance, realtime targeting, precision strikes, air–littoral dominance, integrated battlefield tactics.
  • Technology and integration: drones, unmanned systems, precision weapons, secure communications, advanced tactics; joint operations with the Indian Air Force; participation from the Indian defence industry and academia.

Yudh Abhyas 2025

Introduction

  • India–U.S. Joint Military Exercise, Yudh Abhyas 2025
  • 21st edition featuring a deployed Indian Army contingent training with U.S. Army soldiers

Why in news?

  • An Indian Army contingent has departed for Fort Wainwright, Alaska, USA, to participate
  • The exercise is scheduled from 1st–14th September 2025

Background

  • The Indian contingent comprises personnel from a battalion of the Madras Regiment, one of the oldest regiments in the Indian Army
  • The U.S. Army will be represented by soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment “Bobcats” of the Arctic Wolves Brigade Combat Team, part of the 11th Airborne Division

Significance

  • Improves operational readiness for United Nations peacekeeping operations
  • Builds capacity for effectively managing peacekeeping missions
  • Prepares forces to handle multidomain challenges
  • Emphasises integrated warfare and joint operational strategies

Facts/General knowledge

  • Training includes heliborne operations; use of surveillance resources and unmanned aerial systems; rockcraft and mountain warfare; casualty evacuation; and combat medical aid
  • Integrated use of Artillery, Aviation, and Electronic Warfare systems will be practised
  • Culmination in jointly planned and executed tactical manoeuvres, ranging from livefire exercises to highaltitude warfare scenarios

Exercise MaitreeXIV (India–Thailand)

Introduction

  • Maitree is a bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army.

Why in news?

  • The 14th edition, MaitreeXIV, was recently conducted at the Foreign Training Node, Umroi Cantonment, RiBhoi district, Meghalaya.

Background

  • Instituted in 2006.
  • Held annually, with the venue alternating between India and Thailand.
  • The 13th edition was held at Fort Vachiraprakan, Tak Province, Thailand.

Significance

  • Enhances interoperability between the two armies.
  • Acquaints each force with the other’s operational procedures, especially for counterterrorism and counterinsurgency drills in semiurban terrain under a United Nations mandate.
  • Involves tactical drills, joint planning, special arms skills, physical fitness, and raiding operations.
  • Includes use/display of new generation equipment by both armies.
  • Builds camaraderie between the forces of both countries.

Facts/General knowledge

  • Statements regarding Exercise MaitreeXIV (2025):
  • Statement 1 — Incorrect.
  • Statement 2 — Correct.
  • Statement 3 — Correct.
  • Statement 4 — Correct.

ZAPAD Exercise 2025

Introduction

  • ZAPAD 2025 is a military exercise to be held in Nizhniy, Russia.
  • The Indian Armed Forces are participating.

Why in news?

  • The Indian Armed Forces contingent has departed for Russia to take part in ZAPAD 2025.

Background

  • The Zapad exercise series began during the Soviet era.
  • It has been conducted by Russia since 2009.

Significance

  • Enhances military cooperation among participating nations.
  • Improves interoperability.
  • Provides a platform to exchange tactics and techniques in conventional warfare and counterterrorism operations.
  • Focuses on joint companylevel operations in open and plain terrains.
  • Integrates emerging technologies.
  • Improves joint operational capabilities in a multinational combat environment.

Facts/General knowledge

  • ZAPAD 2025 is a Joint multilateral military exercise.
  • The Indian Army contingent is led by a battalion of the Kumaon Regiment.
  • It includes troops from other arms and services.
  • The contingent comprises personnel from the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy.