DTN News: U.S., India Wrap Up "Yudh Abhyas 09" Joint Military Drills

DTN News: U.S., India Wrap Up "Yudh Abhyas 09" Joint Military Drills *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) CAMP BUNDELA, India, - October 29, 2009: U.S. and Indian forces wrapped up their largest joint military exercise to date, practicing a set of maneuvers simulating environments in Iraq and Afghanistan.Indian Army soldiers rappel down a MI-17 helicopter during "Yudh Abhyas 09", a joint Indo-U.S. training exercise in Babina, in Uttar Pradesh state, October 26, 2009. The eighteen-day joint exercise started in Babina October 12. More than 200 troops from the U.S. 2nd Battalion, 14th Calvary Squadron brought 17 Stryker combat vehicles from Hawaii to practice maneuvers with their counterparts in the Indian armed forces.U.S. Army soldiers fire "Javelin" - a close combat/anti-armour weapon system - during "Yudh Abhyas 09", a joint Indo-U.S. training exercise in Babina, in Uttar Pradesh state, October 26, 2009. The eighteen-day joint exercise started in Babina October 12. It was the largest deployment of U.S. Strykers to a theater outside of war. Indian soldiers were familiarized with the vehicle but were restricted from driving or using sensitive communications equipment.An Indian Army Dhruv helicopter carries the "injured" as U.S. soldiers take their positions during "Yudh Abhyas 09", a joint Indo-U.S. training exercise in Babina, in Uttar Pradesh state, October 26, 2009. The eighteen-day joint exercise started in Babina October 12. U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, the commander of U.S. Army forces in the Pacific, and Indian generals traveled to Camp Bundela in India to demonstrate the firepower of the Indian T-90 battle tank and the U.S. Javelin tank killer, the U.S. Department of Defense said. A U.S. Army soldier sits atop a Stryker, an eight-wheeled armoured combat vehicle, during "Yudh Abhyas 09", a joint Indo-U.S. training exercise in Babina, in Uttar Pradesh state, October 26, 2009. The eighteen-day joint exercise started in Babina October 12. Training focused on joint exercises in environments and situations that resemble the types of operations experienced in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mixon said the ability of the Indian military was impressive, noting the exchange of information flowed in both directions. "The Indian army is a professional military force," he said. "I would be comfortable going with the Indian army anywhere, any time."