The Indian and US armies have commenced the 16th edition of their joint Special Forces exercise, Vajra Prahar, at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. Scheduled from February 23 to March 15, 2026, the exercise is aimed at deepening defence cooperation, enhancing interoperability, and improving joint operational readiness between the two nations.
According to the Indian Army, the exercise provides a platform for exchanging advanced special operations tactics, techniques, and procedures. The training involves realistic scenarios designed to build mutual trust and operational synergy. The previous edition in 2024 was held in Idaho, US, with 45 personnel from each country participating. India was represented by Special Forces units, while the US contingent included the Green Berets.
The exercise emphasizes joint capabilities in desert and semi-desert environments and aims to promote collaboration in special operations. In 2023, a similar exercise took place at Umroi, Meghalaya, where the Indian Air Force and individual augmentees conducted joint drills. These included operations from Mi-17 helicopters over Umiam Lake and helocasting exercises, demonstrating precision, coordination, and professionalism.
Complementing Vajra Prahar, the Indian Air Force will showcase its operational capabilities during Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran Air to Ground Range in Jaisalmer on February 27, 2026. The IAF will highlight its rapid-response ability to dominate operational environments, influence outcomes strategically, and conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
Full-spectrum operations will involve fighter jets, transport aircraft, helicopters, and remotely piloted aircraft, including Tejas, Rafale, Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-29, Hawk, C-130J, C-295, C-17, Chetak, ALH MK-IV, Mi-17 IV, LCH, Apache, Chinook, and RPAs. Advanced weapons systems, such as Short Range Loitering Munitions (SRLM), Akash, SpyDer, and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems, will be utilized in day, dusk, and night missions to demonstrate the IAF’s versatility and readiness.
The combined exercises underline the commitment of India and the US to strengthen defence ties, improve tactical coordination, and ensure preparedness for a wide range of operational scenarios.
