The eighth edition of the bilateral military exercise between India and the United Kingdom, known as 'Ajeya Warrior-2025', successfully concluded on Sunday at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The two-week intensive training program focused primarily on enhancing counter-terrorism capabilities in semi-urban environments under United Nations mandate.
Scale and Participation
A total of 240 military personnel from both nations participated in this significant defense cooperation initiative. The Indian contingent was represented by troops from the esteemed Sikh Regiment, while the United Kingdom's delegation featured soldiers from the renowned Royal Gurkha Regiment. This collaboration marks another milestone in the growing defense partnership between the two countries.
Comprehensive Training Modules
The exercise featured an extensive range of joint tactical drills and combat conditioning exercises designed to enhance interoperability. Participants engaged in heliborne operations, room-intervention techniques, and cordon-and-search exercises that simulated real-world scenarios. The training regimen also included detailed operational discussions and strategic planning sessions to align tactical approaches.
Combat training encompassed multiple disciplines including firing practices, reflex shooting, rocket launcher firing, and specialized drills for sniper and MMG (Medium Machine Gun) operations. The scenarios were carefully designed to replicate actual combat situations, providing soldiers with practical experience in high-pressure environments.
Specialized Counter-Terrorism Focus
A significant component of the exercise involved joint sessions on Improvised Explosive Device (IED) neutralization, covering Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) along with international best practices. Both contingents also examined case studies addressing contemporary operational challenges, which helped sharpen tactical insight and problem-solving capabilities.
Military officials reported that the validation phase of the exercise demonstrated remarkable levels of interoperability, precision, and jointmanship achieved by the combined forces. The successful conclusion of Ajeya Warrior-2025 underscores the commitment of both nations to global security and counter-terrorism efforts while strengthening bilateral defense relations.
