India-US Special Forces Launch Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026 in Himachal Pradesh
The 16th iteration of Exercise Vajra Prahar, a collaborative Special Forces training event between the Indian Army and the United States Army, is scheduled to take place from February 23 to March 15, 2026. This year’s exercise will be held at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh Cantonment, Himachal Pradesh. This annual event is a significant component of the defence cooperation between India and the US, focusing on improving interoperability and joint operational capabilities.
Over the three-week period, the exercise will concentrate on advanced tactics, techniques, and procedures pertinent to special operations. It offers both armies the opportunity to engage in joint planning and mission execution. The training will encompass modules on reconnaissance, the use of unmanned aerial systems, joint terminal attack control, execution of special operations, psychological warfare, and high-intensity tactical drills. Additionally, the exercise will emphasize physical conditioning and mission planning in realistic scenarios.
The Indian Army has stated that the exercise is structured to boost combined capabilities in Special Forces operations across diverse terrains, including desert and semi-desert areas. This engagement allows both countries to exchange best practices and enhance their mutual understanding in areas such as counter-terrorism and precision strike operations.
The last Exercise Vajra Prahar took place in November 2024 at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, USA. It featured equal participation from the Indian Army’s Special Forces, mainly the Para Commandos of the Parachute Regiment, and the US Army's Green Berets. In addition to Vajra Prahar, India and the US engage in numerous bilateral and tri-service exercises, including Yudh Abhyas, Tiger Triumph, Malabar, and Cope India, underscoring the growing scope and depth of their strategic and military partnership.
