A renewed commitment to improving military collaboration and interoperability between the Indian Army and the United States Army Special Forces was signaled by the beginning of the fourteenth edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise, which is known as “VAJRA PRAHAR 2023.”
The exercise was held at the Joint Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya.
The Overview of the Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR:
The robust relationship that exists between the Indian Army and the United States Army Special Forces is demonstrated by the ongoing exercise known as VAJRA PRAHAR, which was launched in the year 2010.
The primary focus of the exercise is on collaborative mission planning and operational tactics, with the exchange of best practices and experiences being the core objective of the exercise.
It has developed into an essential platform throughout the years for Special Forces from both countries to work together, which has resulted in increased defense collaboration between the two countries.
Contingents who are participating:
Special Forces men from the Eastern Command of the Indian Army join forces with the United States contingent, which is from the United States Special Forces and represents the 1st Special Forces Group (SFG) of the United States Special Forces.
The goal of this cooperation effort is to make it possible for both contingents to participate in joint training opportunities, which will allow them to share their expertise and improve their capabilities.
The context and the location:
2010 was the year that marked the beginning of the first edition of VAJRA PRAHAR, and successive editions have further strengthened the commitment to mutual learning and interoperability.
Umroi Cantonment, located in Meghalaya, is the location of the ongoing 14th edition, which will take place from November 21 to December 11 of the year 2023.
Objectives of Drills and Training Session:
The participating contingents will engage in several specialized operations and exercises over the next three weeks.
These operations and exercises are meant to address both conventional and unconventional scenarios, particularly those that take place in hard mountainous terrain. Among the most important aspects of the training are:
- The Combat free fall insertion is the process of inserting troops from a distance of standoff.
- Waterborne Insertion refers to specialized methods of troop insertion that include the use of water.
- Precision engagement refers to the process of engaging targets at greater distances.
- The coordination of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft in combat situations is comprised of the field of combat air control.
- Techniques for the insertion and support of troops in the airborne environment by airborne insertion and support.
It is the purpose of these exercises to dramatically improve the capabilities and interoperability of both Special Forces units, with the end goal of ensuring that they are adequately prepared to face a wide range of problems.
As the joint exercise known as VAJRA PRAHAR 2023 continues to unfold, it serves as a symbol of the long-lasting military collaboration between the United States of America and India. It encourages cooperation and strengthens the collective defense capabilities of both countries.
