Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026: India-US Special Forces Joint Drill

  1. The Indian Army and the United States Army will conduct the 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar (joint Special Forces military exercise) in 2026.
  2. The exercise will take place at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh in Himachal Pradesh.
  3. Core Objectives of the Exercise
    1. Deepening Defence Cooperation: It strengthens strategic trust between India and the US.
    2. Enhancing Interoperability: Troops practise working together using common procedures, equipment coordination, and joint planning.
    3. Improving Joint Operational Readiness: Both sides train to respond quickly and effectively during real-world crises.
    4. Exchange of Advanced Tactics: Special Forces units share Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) developed from operational experience.
  4. Focus Areas of Vajra Prahar 2026: This year’s exercise gives special attention to high-end combat skills. Key focus areas include:
    1. Counter-terrorism operations
    2. Precision strike missions
    3. Intelligence-based special operations
    4. Joint mission planning
    5. Execution of tasks under simulated battlefield conditions

FAQs

Q1. What is Exercise Vajra Prahar? 

It is a joint India-US Special Forces military drill aimed at strengthening defence cooperation and interoperability.

Q2. Where will the 2026 edition of the Exercise Vajra Prahar be held? 

At the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.

Q3. What is the main objective of the Exercise Vajra Prahar? 

To deepen strategic trust, enhance joint operational readiness, and practise advanced tactics under simulated battlefield conditions.

Q4. What are the focus areas of Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026? 

Counter-terrorism operations, precision strike missions, intelligence-based special operations, and joint mission planning.

Q5. Why is Exercise Vajra Prahar important for India and the US? 

It improves interoperability, strengthens defence ties, and prepares both forces for real-world crises through shared tactics and training.