New Delhi, 20 September (H.S.): The M777 Ultra-Light Howitzer demonstrated its precision firepower at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, successfully engaging all designated targets and showcasing a high degree of professionalism, accuracy and combat readiness.

As part of the ongoing joint military exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ between India and the United States at Auli in Uttarakhand and the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, the two armies are demonstrating their respective combat capabilities. In this context, live firing was conducted using the Indian M777 Ultra-Light Howitzer (ULH), during which the gun crew displayed professionalism, precision and combat readiness, successfully engaging all designated targets. Following the firing exercise, the US contingent visited the gun position and interacted with officers and soldiers of the ULH battery.

The 22nd edition of ‘Yudh Abhyas’ has been underway at Auli in Uttarakhand and the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan since September 9 and will continue until September 28. A total of 1,200 personnel, including 600 soldiers each from the Indian and US armies, are participating in the exercise. The primary focus of the exercise is on high-altitude warfare, counter-terrorism operations, counter-drone capabilities, robotic dogs and the integration of advanced technologies. It also aims to strengthen operational interoperability and tactical coordination between the two armies.

During ‘Yudh Abhyas’ at the Mahajan Field Firing Range, live firing was conducted using the M777 Ultra-Light Howitzer, employing the direct-fire method to engage targets within the line of sight. The ULH gun crew demonstrated a high level of professionalism, precision and combat readiness, successfully engaging and neutralising all designated targets. Following the firing, the US contingent visited the gun position and interacted with officers and soldiers of the ULH battery, facilitating an exchange of professional knowledge and experience.

Exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ is an annual bilateral military exercise between the Indian and US armies, which commenced in 2004. Evolving from peacekeeping and counter-insurgency training, the exercise now encompasses high-altitude warfare, hybrid threats, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as multi-domain operations.

The exercise features Arctic-trained soldiers from the US Army’s 11th Airborne Division, based at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, along with personnel from the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force, which specialises in precision fires and integrated command-and-control systems. The exercise comprises a Command Post Exercise and a Field Training Exercise, culminating in a joint live-fire demonstration involving rocket systems and long-range precision fires.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar