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

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

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

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

Past Exercises and Legacy of Vajra Prahar 

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

Key highlights of the 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 engagements in mountainous and challenging terrains. 
• Joint Mission Planning: The exercise emphasized the importance of collaborative mission planning to ensure seamless coordination between forces. 

These activities allowed both armies to rehearse their responses in mountainous terrains and other high-risk environments, ensuring precision, professionalism, and synergy under simulated, hostile conditions. 

Scope of the 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 broad range of tactical scenarios, including: 

• Special Operations and Counter-Terrorism Drills: Joint planning and execution of special operations designed to address unconventional threats, focusing on combat in close-quarter and high-risk environments. 
• Airborne Operations and Insertion Techniques: Both armies will engage in “combat free fall insertions” from standoff distances, enhancing skills in precision parachuting and rapid troop deployment. 
• Precision Engagements and Long-Range Targeting: The 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 the importance of air control in combat scenarios. 

Strategic Significance of Exercise Vajra Prahar 

Exercise Vajra Prahar has steadily evolved into a comprehensive platform for military cooperation between India and the 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 readiness to respond to real-world security threats, and fortifying regional stability.

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

A Glance Back at Previous Exercises 

The inaugural Vajra Prahar was held in 2010 in India, and since then, the exercise has taken place annually in both India and the US, growing progressively to include more advanced military tactics, technologies, and scenarios. The 13th edition took place in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh , at the Indian Special Forces Training School (SFTS), where both forces engaged in intensive operations in rugged terrains, strengthening their operational synergy.