Yudh Abhyas 2026: M777 howitzers roar as Indian, US forces showcase firepower in Rajasthan

India, US armies conduct M777 live-fire drill

Indian and US Army personnel conducted a live firing demonstration involving the M777 Ultra Light Howitzer at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan as part of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, showcasing artillery capabilities and operational coordination between the two forces.According to the official update by the Indian Army, Indian gun crews demonstrated the M777's firing capabilities, while the visiting US contingent later interacted with Ultra Light Howitzer battery personnel at the gun positions to exchange operational knowledge and battlefield best practices.

The live firing demonstration followed a lecture-cum-demonstration on the deployment of the M777 conducted at the Mahajan Field Firing Range on Wednesday.

The session covered technical and tactical aspects of the artillery system, including the duties of key appointments, gun deployment, local defence coordination, movement to alternate positions during counter-bombardment and shoot-and-scoot drills, ANI reported.Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 is the 22nd edition of the India US joint military exercise, which began on September 15 and is being conducted over two weeks at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand and the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.

Around 600 personnel from each side are participating.According to the ministry of defence, the exercise is focused on enhancing the joint military capability of the two armies for the employment of Integrated Battle Groups in mountainous and semi mountainous terrain, with an emphasis on infantry dominated operations. It also aims to strengthen interoperability, facilitate the exchange of operational best practices and improve joint planning and execution.About the M777 howitzerThe M777 Ultra Light Howitzer is a 155mm, 39-calibre lightweight towed artillery gun developed for the US military. Its lightweight design allows it to be transported by military aircraft and helicopters, giving artillery units greater mobility and flexibility in difficult terrain.The Indian Army operates the M777 as part of its 155mm artillery fleet, with the system particularly relevant to India's requirements for high-altitude and mountainous areas because of its air-transportability and relatively low weight compared with heavier towed artillery systems.According to US Army, The M777 has a maximum range of about 24 km with unassisted ammunition, which increases to around 30 km with assisted projectiles. When equipped with compatible M982 Excalibur precision-guided ammunition, the M777A2 can engage targets at ranges of up to 40 km,