Indian Apache helicopters join US forces in Yudh Abhyas 2026 joint drills

About 600 Indian and American troops are carrying out Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan and at Auli in Uttarakhand. The Indian Army has deployed six AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, operating from Jodhpur under the 451 Army Aviation Squadron, thereby introducing an air-strike element to the maneuvers. In live-fire and mountain-warfare scenarios, the Apaches demonstrated rapid target acquisition, precision engagement and real-time data sharing with ground forces. The twin-engine aircraft can reach speeds of up to 365 km/h and have a combat history dating back to the 1980s. This joint drill underscores the deepening interoperability between the two militaries and the continued growth of India's attack-helicopter fleet.