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

The 15th India-US joint Special Forces Exercise, scheduled for November 2-22, 2024, will take place at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, USA.

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

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