Today marked the start of the 14th edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise, “VAJRA PRAHAR 2023,” at the Joint Training Node in Umroi. Members of US Special Forces’ 1st Special Forces Group (SFG) serve as the representative of the US contingent.
Members of the Eastern Command’s Special Forces unit command the contingent of the Indian Army. Work out Joint training between Indian Army and US Army Special Forces is known as VAJRA PRAHAR. Its goal is to exchange experiences and best practices in areas including cooperative mission planning and operational tactics.
The 13th iteration of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise took place at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS), Bakloh (HP), following the first edition’s 2010 conduct in India. The current edition is being conducted in Umroi Cantonment, Meghalaya from 21st November to 11th December 2023.
Both sides will work together to organize and practice a number of Special Operations, Counter Terrorist Operations, and Air Borne operations in mountainous terrain over the course of the next three weeks. These exercises will involve simulating both conventional and unconventional scenarios.
In addition to “Airborne insertion and sustenance of troops,” other noteworthy aspects include “Combat free fall insertion of troops from stand-off distances,” “Water borne insertion of troops,” “Precision engagement of targets at long range,” and “Combat air controlling of fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft.” Over time, Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR has developed into a means for the Special Forces of both countries to discuss best practices and exchange ideas. It serves as a platform for improving defense cooperation and interoperability between the Indian and American militaries.
