Shillong: The 14th edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise, “Vajra Prahar 2023,” started at the Joint Training Node in Umroi on Tuesday, as announced by the Ministry of Defence. The exercise, being held from November 21 to December 11, will involve the participation of the 1st Special Forces Group (SFG) from the US and Special Forces personnel from the Eastern Command of the Indian Army.
The joint exercise, Vajra Prahar, is a collaborative effort between the Indian Army and the US Army Special Forces, focusing on the exchange of best practices and experiences in areas such as joint mission planning and operational tactics. The inaugural edition took place in India in 2010, and the 13th edition was held at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS) in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.
During the next three weeks, both contingents will collaborate on planning and rehearsing various special operations, counter-terrorism initiatives, and airborne operations, with a particular focus on 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’ besides ‘Airborne insertion and sustenance of troops’, the release added.
Vajra Prahar has evolved into a platform for the exchange of ideas and the sharing of best practices between the Special Forces of India and the United States. Beyond this, it serves as a vital mechanism to enhance interoperability and strengthen defence cooperation between the two nations, aligning with the shared goals of both armies.
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