Indo-US special forces will soon begin joint exercises in Idaho – Firstpost

Indian and US special forces are set to begin a two-week joint exercise in Idaho aimed at enhancing operational capabilities and interoperability in desert and semi-desert environments, the Indian Ministry of Defense said on Friday (November 1).

A contingent of the Indian Army left for the US on Friday to participate in the 15th Exercise Vajra Prahar, which will be held from November 2 to 22 at the Orchard Combat Training Center in Idaho.

The exercise will focus on joint planning, intelligence and execution of special operations tactics, as well as building camaraderie and trust between soldiers of both countries.

The US forces are represented by US Army Special Forces known as Green Berets, while the Indian side will field Indian Army Special Forces units.

Each country deployed 45 personnel to participate in the exercise, which is a joint training exercise aimed at improving physical fitness, coordination and tactical skills.

“The objective of this exercise is to promote military cooperation between India and the United States through improved interoperability, jointness and mutual exchange of special operations tactics,” the statement said.

Key aspects that will be tested during the exercise include planning and execution of joint group missions, reconnaissance operations and the use of unmanned aircraft systems.

The exercise will also cover specialized operational techniques such as joint end-attack command and control and psychological warfare, allowing both forces to refine their responses to complex tactical scenarios.

The previous edition of Vajra Prahar was held in December 2023 in Umroi, Meghalaya, India. This is the second joint exercise conducted by the armies of the two countries this year after the Yudh Abhyas exercise held in Rajasthan in September.

Both exercises highlight the growing defense partnership between India and the US, with a focus on enhancing readiness and coordination across multiple operational environments.

With the participation of agencies