The 14th edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise, “VAJRA PRAHAR 2023,” kicked off at the Joint Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya, on Tuesday. Representing the US contingent are personnel from the 1st Special Forces Group (SFG) of the US Special Forces, while the Indian Army contingent is led by Special Forces personnel from the Eastern Command.
The inaugural edition took place in India in 2010, with the 13th edition hosted at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS) in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. The ongoing 14th edition is being held at Umroi Cantonment, Meghalaya, from November 21 to December 11, 2023.
Over the next three weeks, both sides will collaboratively plan and execute various Special Operations, Counter-Terrorist Operations, and Airborne operations in simulated conventional and unconventional scenarios within mountainous terrain. Key highlights include ‘Combat free-fall insertion of troops from stand-off distances,’ ‘Water-borne insertion of troops,’ ‘Precision engagement of targets at long ranges,’ ‘Combat air controlling of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft,’ and ‘Airborne insertion and sustenance of troops.’
“VAJRA PRAHAR” has grown into a vital platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices between the Special Forces of both nations. It serves as a mechanism to enhance interoperability and strengthen defence cooperation between the armies of India and the United States of America.