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Indian and US forces fire away in Babina

Last updated on: October 27, 2009 11:56 IST

Image: 2nd squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 'Strykehorse,' 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and Indian Army's 7th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 94th Armored Brigade, 31st Armored Division perform a medical evacuation during a combined arms live fire exercise
Photographs: US Army photo by Sgt 1st Class Rodney Jackson

About 1,000 military personnel from the Indian and US Army are participating in one of the largest joint exercises between the two nations in Babina, Uttar Pradesh.

The exercise, codenamed Yudh Abhyas 2009 and being held from October 12-29, is a regularly scheduled bilateral exercise hosted by the Indian Army. The exercise is designed to promote cooperation among the two militaries while sharing training, cultural exchanges, and building joint operating skills.

This year's Yudh Abhyas features 17 Stryker vehicles -- the largest deployment of the vehicles outside of Iraq and Afghanistan for the US Pacific Rim forces.

Click NEXT for more photos of the exercise...

 

Firing a Javelin

Image: Under the instruction of a US soldier, an Indian Army soldier fires a Javelin missile as part of Yudh Abhyas
Photographs: US Army photo by Sgt 1st Class Rodney Jackson

Along with the 17 Strykers, the US is showcasing the Javelin Anti-Tank Missile system, employed to defeat current and future threat armoured combat vehicles.

 

Largest Indo-US troop exchange

Image: A US soldier tosses an unmanned aerial vehicle as Indian soldiers look on. The soldier, Spc David Swan, is an infantryman assigned to Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, Strykehorse, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division
Photographs: US Army photo

YA 2009 constitutes the largest troop exchange since the YA partnership exercise commenced in 2004.

Indian Army soldiers from the 31st Armored Division are working with US soldiers from the 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, "Strykehorse", 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

 

Sighting the enemy

Image: With Indian Army soldiers looking on, US Soldiers Sgt Peter Bitter (right), and Sgt Michael Resendez, get eyes on target before a Javelin missile is launched
Photographs: US Army Photo by Sgt 1st Class Rodney Jackson

This year's exercise includes a multi-echelon, full spectrum combined operation focusing on a United Nations peacekeeping operation scenario, while executing a manoeuvre live-fire exercise.

 

A Rescue Operation

Image: US soldiers and Indian Army soldiers simulate a medical evacuation to an Advanced Light Helicopter of the Indian Army
Photographs: US Army Photo by Staff Sgt Crista Yazzie

During the exercise, participants will engage in a variety of missions, from joint planning and manoeuvre execution, a variety of artillery ranges, to cordon and search operations as well as search and rescue training.

 

Exchanging experiences

Image: Army Col LP Singh, commanding officer of the 7th Mechanised Battalion, addresses US Army Cpt Digati, troop commander, Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment Strykehorse, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, at the end of the first overnight operation
Photographs: Staff Sgt Crista Yazzie, US Army, Pacific, Public Affairs

"The size and scope of this combined exercise is unparalleled and will be characterised not only by realistic and challenging training, but by regular athletic, academic and cultural exchanges," said Lt Col. Jim Isenhower, Commander, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment.

 

A defining battle is on

Image: US troops in simulated combat mission
Photographs: US Embassy Photos

"The broadened and unprecedented scope of Yudh Abhyas stands as a testament to the growing people-to-people and military-to-military ties of the United States and India, one of the key pillars of the expanded Indo-US strategic partnership," US Ambassador to India, Timothy J Roemer, said.

 

More challenges lie ahead

Image: Indian soldiers offer medical assistance to an injured colleague during a simulated exercise
Photographs: US Embassy Photos

"Yudh Abhyas signals the bold future of Indo-US relations marked by the growing confidence and trust shared by our two great democracies as, together, we face the challenges that lie ahead. Our two nations have made great strides in defence cooperation to ensure peace and prosperity in the region," Roemer added.