Both the teams would jointly train, plan and execute a series of special operations, counter-terrorist operations and airborne operations in simulated scenarios on mountainous terrain.
New Delhi: The Indo-US joint exercise for special forces named ‘Vajra Prahar 2022’, commenced at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS), Bakloh, in Himachal Pradesh on Monday, August 8.
During this three-week programme, teams of both armies will jointly train, plan and execute a series of special, counter-terrorist and air-borne operations in simulated conventional and unconventional scenarios in a mountainous terrain.
This joint exercise is a significant step in strengthening the traditional bond of friendship between the special forces of both nations as well as improve bilateral defence cooperation between India and the US, the Ministry of Defence said.
The Vajra Prahar series of joint exercises aims to share best practices and experiences in areas such as joint mission planning and operational tactics as also to improve inter-operability between the Special Forces of both nations.
This annual exercise is hosted alternatively between India and the United States. The 12th edition was conducted at Joint Base Lewis Mcchord, Washington (USA) in October, 2021.
The US contingent is represented by personnel from the 1st Special Forces Group (SFG) and Special Tactics Squadron (STS) of US Special Forces and the Indian Army contingent is formed by drawing Special Forces personnel.
An Indian Army statement said, “The 13th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise “Ex Vajra Prahar 2022” commenced at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS), Bakloh (HP) today.”
As per the Army, “This joint exercise is a significant step in strengthening the traditional bond of friendship between the special forces of both Nations as well as improve bilateral defence cooperation between India and the USA.”
This annual exercise is hosted alternatively between India and the United States. The 12th edition was conducted at Joint Base Lewis Mcchord, Washington (USA) in October 2021.
Meanwhile, China on Monday, August 8 continued its unprecedented military drills around Taiwan, extending the schedule of war games launched in retaliation to the visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the breakaway island which Beijing claims is part of its territory.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theatre Command, which oversees Taiwan, said on Monday it would continue drills in waters near Taiwan island, focusing on anti-submarine and air-to-ship strikes, state-run Global Times reported.
The PLA conducted joint drills involving all wings of its armed forces in six areas around the island from August 4 to 7.
The PLA’s latest announcement notice did not specify the location of the exercises nor did it mention when they would end.
The PLA on Sunday proceeded with the plan and continued realistic combat-scenario joint exercises in the sea and air space around the island of Taiwan practicing island capturing drills and bomber deterrence flights in Taiwan Strait, a rehearsal for real operation, state-run Global Times reported on Sunday.
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