Why in the News?

The Indian Army contingent departed today for the 15th edition of VAJRA PRAHAR, a joint Special Forces exercise with the US Army.

About Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR:

	Details
What is it?	A joint Special Forces exercise between India and the US aimed at enhancing military cooperation.
Inception	Started in 2010 as part of bilateral defense cooperation between India and the US. No exercises held between 2012 and 2015 and in 2020.
Frequency	Conducted annually, alternately in India and the United States.
15th Edition Dates	Scheduled from 2nd to 22nd November 2024 at the Orchard Combat Training Centre, Idaho, USA.
Participants	45 personnel from each country; Indian Army’s Special Forces and US Army’s Green Berets.
Objectives	• Enhance military cooperation • Promote interoperability and tactical exchange • Improve combined capabilities in joint operations
Key Focus Areas	• High physical fitness standards • Joint planning and tactical drills
Significance	• Joint Team Mission Planning • Reconnaissance Missions • Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) • Execution of Special Operations • Roles of Joint Terminal Attack Controllers • Psychological Warfare