From Free-Fall to Precision Engagement, Inside the 15th India-US Exercise Vajra Prahar

Idaho, USA — 15th iteration of Exercise Vajra Prahar, a crucial Indo-US joint military exercise, has commenced at Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, USA. This annual exercise brings toger Special Forces of Indian Army and US Army to enhance interoperability and cooperation, focusing on special operations tactics in complex combat scenarios. Exercise Vajra Prahar commenced on vember 2 and will continue on vember 22, 2024.

Indian Army, through an official statement on X (formerly Twitter), outlined that Exercise Vajra Prahar aims to “promote military cooperation, strengn interoperability, jointness, and mutual exchange of special operations tactics between Indian Army and US Army.” post highlighted shared mission, stating, “Two nations, one mission: Training toger for peace.” 

emphasis of this year’s exercise is on specialized counter-terrorism operations, combat air control, airborne insertions, and high-precision target engments. drills underscore Indian and US armies’ commitment to dressing evolving security challenges, especially those related to unconventional warfare. 

Past Exercises and Legacy of Vajra Prahar 

Indo-US joint military exercise, established in 2010, has alternated between two countries, each time expanding in complexity and scope. In its 14th edition, held in vember 2023, exercise took place at Joint Training de in Umroi, Meghalaya . During that edition, Special Forces from US 1st Special Forces Group (SFG) joined with Indian Eastern Command Special Forces to eng in a series of complex drills.

Key highlights of 2023 edition included: 

• Helicopter Operations: Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters were employed in Shillong’s Umiam Lake region for high-stakes helocasting operations. 
• Waterborne and Airborne Insertion: Troops performed waterborne and airborne insertions, simulating real-time tactical engments in mountaius and challenging terrains. 
• Joint Mission Planning: exercise emphasized importance of collaborative mission planning to ensure seamless coordination between forces. 

se activities allowed both armies to rehearse ir responses in mountaius terrains and or high-risk environments, ensuring precision, professionalism, and synergy under simulated, hostile conditions. 

Scope of 15th Edition in Idaho, USA 

This year’s location, Idaho’s Orchard Combat Training Centre, presents diverse terrains ideal for simulating both conventional and unconventional warfare. Training will cover a bro range of tactical scenarios, including: 

• Special Operations and Counter-Terrorism Drills: Joint planning and execution of special operations designed to dress unconventional threats, focusing on combat in close-quarter and high-risk environments. 
• Airborne Operations and Insertion Techniques: Both armies will eng in “combat free fall insertions” from standoff distances, enhancing skills in precision parachuting and rapid troop deployment. 
• Precision Engments and Long-Range Targeting: drill will involve targeting exercises where troops will practice engaging specific targets at extended ranges, enhancing proficiency in high-precision strike capabilities. 
• Combat Air Control of Aircraft: Effective air-ground coordination will be tested with both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, underscoring importance of air control in combat scenarios. 

Strategic Significance of Exercise Vajra Prahar 

Exercise Vajra Prahar has steily evolved into a comprehensive platform for military cooperation between India and US, with a focus on building strategic trust, deepening defence ties, and achieving interoperability in joint operations. By engaging in complex, simulated combat scenarios, both countries gain invaluable experience in handling joint missions, boosting reiness to respond to real-world security threats, and fortifying regional stability.

recurring engment between two nations through Vajra Prahar, coupled with or Indo-US military collaborations like Exercise Yudh Abhyas and Malabar Naval Exercise, contributes significantly to collective defence strategy of two democratic powers. By sharing tactics, operational kwledge, and technical expertise, India and US demonstrate a commitment to a free, stable, and secure Indo-Pacific region. 

A Glance Back at Previous Exercises 

inaugural Vajra Prahar was held in 2010 in India, and since n, exercise has taken place annually in both India and US, growing progressively to include more vanced military tactics, techlogies, and scenarios. 13th edition took place in Bakloh, Himachal Presh , at Indian Special Forces Training School (SFTS), where both forces engd in intensive operations in rugged terrains, strengning ir operational synergy.