Indian Armys Brave Dogs Showcase Skills During Joint Military Exercise with U.S. Troops

New Delhi, September 20 (Daily Kiran) : The Indian Army’s trained military dogs have taken center stage in the ongoing joint military exercise, ‘Yudh Abhyas 2026,’ between India and the United States. Four remarkable dogs—Rais, Victor, Jack, and Rowdy—demonstrated their skills in assisting soldiers during special operations.

During the exercise, these dogs participated in various drills, including breaching a suspected hideout and rappelling down from heights. U.S. soldiers had the opportunity to closely observe the training, agility, and teamwork of the Indian military dogs in challenging tactical situations. Notably, the four dogs belong to different breeds.

Rowdy and Victor are indigenous Rampur Hounds, a breed increasingly utilized by the Indian Army for military roles. Jack is a Belgian Malinois, while Rais is a Labrador Retriever. These military dogs have experience being deployed along India’s northern and eastern borders. Previously, Rampur Hounds showcased their capabilities during an international multilateral military exercise in Umroi, Meghalaya, and later helped detect improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the Manipur border.

According to the Army, their siblings were also deployed during ‘Operation Sindoor’ in the Jalandhar and Amritsar sectors, further demonstrating the utility and adaptability of this military dog team in diverse environments and conditions. Their participation in ‘Yudh Abhyas 2026’ highlights how trained military dogs have become essential partners for soldiers in modern military operations.

The increasing use of indigenous breeds like the Rampur Hound reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to diversifying its military capabilities and opting for domestic alternatives. The coordination between dogs and their handlers in difficult situations remains a vital link in this entire system.

It is noteworthy that the 22nd edition of the joint exercise is taking place from the snowy hills of Auli in Uttarakhand to the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. Approximately 600 soldiers from both nations are participating, with modern technology playing a central role. Troops are also utilizing drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance.