U.S. Army soldiers rehearsed M142 HIMARS operations at Yausubetsu Training Area in Hokkaido during Exercise Orient Shield 26, according to imagery and information released by U.S. Army Japan on September 18, 2026. The training highlights how mobile long-range precision fires can remain combat-effective in the Indo-Pacific by rapidly relocating before enemy surveillance and counterfire networks can target the launcher. Read Full Defense News At This Link. U.S. Army HIMARS crews rehearsed rapid, mobile long-range precision-fire operations in Japan during Orient Shield 26, sharpening their ability to strike, relocate and survive in a contested Indo-Pacific environment (Picture Source: U.S. Army) from World Defence News https://ift.tt/5PItCe9 via IFTTT
The U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division trained with Indian crews on M777A2 and Dhanush 155 mm howitzers and observed L70 Bofors air defense live fire during Yudh Abhyas 2026, expanding the exercise into direct procedural integration. The training improves tactical interoperability by exposing U.S. soldiers to Indian fire-mission methods, gun emplacement practices, and short-range air defense procedures across different equipment architectures. At the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, personnel from the 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment worked alongside Indian artillery crews on the lightweight M777A2 and the longer-range Dhanush. At the same time, other 11th Airborne soldiers studied upgraded L70 40 mm air defense operations. The exchange gives both forces a clearer understanding of how partner units generate fires, reduce firing-position exposure, and protect maneuver and support elements despite differences in weapons, sensors, and command systems. Read more....