Indian Army Engages in Multiple Simultaneous Military Exercises with US and Japan
The Indian Army is currently conducting a series of simultaneous military exercises with defense forces from the United States and Japan, aimed at significantly enhancing interoperability, joint operational capabilities, and the mutual exchange of specialized tactics for special operations.
India-US Joint Special Forces Exercise Vajra Prahar
A contingent from the United States Army is presently in India to participate in the 16th edition of the India-US Joint Special Forces Exercise Vajra Prahar. This critical exercise is being held at the Special Forces Training School located in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.
The Indian Army contingent, represented by elite Special Forces units, comprises 45 highly trained personnel. The United States is represented by 12 personnel from the renowned Green Berets of the US Special Forces. The previous edition of this exercise took place at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, United States, in November 2024.
The primary aim of Exercise Vajra Prahar is to foster and promote robust military cooperation between India and the United States. This is achieved through enhanced interoperability, increased jointness, and a comprehensive mutual exchange of advanced special operations tactics. The exercise is meticulously designed to strengthen the combined capabilities of both nations for conducting highly effective joint Special Forces operations, particularly in challenging mountainous terrain.
The intensive training regimen will focus on achieving a high degree of physical conditioning, sophisticated joint mission planning, and the precise execution of complex joint tactical drills.
India-Japan Joint Military Exercise Dharma Guardian
Simultaneously, the 7th edition of the annual Joint Military Exercise 'Dharma Guardian' between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) commenced on Tuesday. This exercise is being conducted at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand, and will run from February 24 to March 9.
This edition brings together a substantial 120-member contingent from each nation. The JGSDF contingent is represented by troops from the 32nd Infantry Regiment, while the Indian Army contingent is drawn from the distinguished Ladakh Scouts regiment.
Domestic Exercise Agni Varsha
In a separate but concurrent domestic military drill, the Indian Army conducted Exercise Agni Varsha at the Pokhran field firing ranges on Tuesday. This exercise was designed to rigorously validate the operational preparedness and integrated combat capabilities of forces in the desert sector.
Exercise Agni Varsha successfully integrated a suite of advanced military technologies, including:
- Unmanned aerial systems (UAS)
- Advanced counter-drone capabilities
- Precision strike rocket systems
- Modern artillery platforms
- Networked surveillance systems
The Integrated Manoeuvre Force for this exercise was a formidable assembly of assets, comprising:
- Main Battle Tanks (T-90)
- Infantry Combat Vehicles
- K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers
- Sharang and Bofors artillery systems
- Advanced rocket platforms
- Indigenous ALH Weapon System Integrated helicopters
- Apache attack helicopters
- A diverse range of surveillance and strike drones
These simultaneous exercises underscore the Indian Army's proactive and multifaceted approach to strengthening international defense partnerships and honing its own operational readiness across diverse terrains and combat scenarios.
