India-US Vajra Prahar 2024: Forces Unite in Special Drill

Exercise Overview & Location

• 15th edition of India-US joint Special Forces Exercise Vajra Prahar
• Duration: November 2-22, 2024
• Venue: Orchard Combat Training Centre, Idaho, USA
• 45 personnel from each country participating
• Indian Para-SF units and US Green Berets representing their nations
• Second major joint exercise of 2024 after Yudh Abhyas in Rajasthan

Training Components & Objectives

• Focus on desert and semi-desert environment operations

Key training elements include:

• • Joint team mission planning
  • Reconnaissance operations
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) deployment
  • Special operations execution
  • Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) actions
  • Psychological warfare tactics
• Emphasis on high physical fitness standards
• Enhancement of interoperability and tactical capabilities

Strategic Significance & Recent Collaborations

• Strengthens India-US strategic partnership
• Previous edition held in Meghalaya, December 2023
• Part of increasing military cooperation initiatives
• Follows successful Yudh Abhyas exercise in September 2024
• Complements Malabar naval exercise with Quad countries
• Recent $3.3 billion deal for 31 MQ-9B Predators
• Additional $520 million agreement for MRO facility

Expected Outcomes & Benefits

• Enhanced combined capabilities in special operations
• Improved interoperability between forces
• Exchange of best practices and experiences
• Development of mutual understanding in tactical approaches
• Strengthened military-to-military relationships
• Better preparation for joint operations
• Enhanced capability to respond to global security challenges