Indian Army's trained dogs impress US soldiers in Yudh Abhyas 2026

In the ongoing India-US Yudh Abhyas 2026 exercise, trained dogs accompanying the Indian Army convoy showed off their skills this time. The four trained dogs, named Rice, Victor, Jack and Rowdy, gave an impressive demonstration of their ability to assist soldiers during special missions. American troops were left amazed watching their skills.

During the exercise, the dogs entered a location on a list of suspected sites and also took part in training such as rappelling down using a rope. American soldiers watched up close how these trained dogs of the Indian Army assist the country's soldiers.

Notably, the four trained dogs belong to different breeds. Rowdy and Victor are of the indigenous Rampur Hound breed. The use of Indian dog breeds in major Indian Army missions has been steadily increasing. Jack is a Belgian Malinois, while Rice is a Labrador Retriever.

These trained dogs also have experience being deployed in India's northern and eastern border areas. Dogs of the Rampur Hound breed had played a key role in detecting an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) during a mission in Manipur.

According to the Army, the siblings of these four dogs were deployed in different sectors of Jalandhar and Amritsar during Operation Sindoor. This showcased the capability of these trained dogs across different areas and conditions. Their participation in Yudh Abhyas 2026 has once again proven that these trained dogs have become important partners of the Indian Army convoy.

This is the 22nd edition of the joint exercise between the two countries, being held from the snowy mountainous region of Auli in Uttarakhand to the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. A total of 600 soldiers each from India and the US are taking part in the exercise. The exercise involves the use of advanced technology, with drones and other systems also being deployed for army patrolling.