As part of ‘Exercise Vajra Prahar 2023’, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Individual Aunmentees (IA) conducted various joint drills on Wednesday. During the ongoing exercise, troops from both countries conducted exercises in a Mi-17 Heptr at Shillong’s Umiam Lake. Additionally, helocasting operations were also carried out displaying high standards of precision, synergy, and professionalism.
The 14th edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise, ‘Vajra Prahar 2023’, commenced at the Joint Training Node, Umroi on November 21, according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The US contingent is represented by personnel from the 1st Special Forces Group (SFG) of the US Special Forces, while the Indian Army contingent is led by Special Forces personnel from the Eastern Command.
The joint exercise aims to share best practices and experiences in areas such as joint mission planning and operational tactics. It is a platform to enhance interoperability and strengthen defense cooperation between the armies of India and the United States of America.
‘Exercise Vajra Prahar’ has evolved as a mechanism to exchange ideas and share best practices between the Special Forces of both nations. The current edition, which runs from November 21 to December 11, is being conducted in Umroi Cantonment, Meghalaya.
During the course of the exercise, both sides will jointly plan and rehearse a series of special operations, counter-terrorism operations, and airborne operations in simulated conventional and unconventional scenarios in mountainous terrain. Key highlights include combat free fall insertion of troops from stand-off distances, waterborne insertion of troops, precision engagement of targets at long ranges, combat air control of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, and airborne insertion and sustenance of troops.
Overall, ‘Exercise Vajra Prahar 2023’ serves as a crucial opportunity for the Indian and US Special Forces to collaborate, learn from each other, and strengthen their operational capabilities. It showcases the strong defense partnership between the two nations and signifies their commitment to maintaining regional security and stability.
