Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026 Begins
Vajra Prahar 2026 Strengthens India US Special Forces Partnership: The 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar is being conducted from February 23 to March 15, 2026, at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. It is a joint Special Forces drill between India and the United States.
The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, operational coordination, and counter-terror capabilities. It reflects the growing strategic alignment between the world’s two largest democracies.
Static GK fact: Himachal Pradesh was formed as a full-fledged state on 25 January 1971, and its capital is Shimla.
Aim and Strategic Importance
Vajra Prahar is conducted alternately in India and the United States. Its core objective is to promote jointness and tactical cooperation between elite Special Forces units.
The training includes advanced special operations techniques, realistic combat scenarios, and urban warfare modules. It also focuses on high-altitude and semi-desert operational environments.
Such drills deepen mutual trust and improve joint operational readiness in complex security situations.
Static GK Tip: India shares land borders with seven countries, making high-altitude and counter-infiltration training strategically important.
Previous Editions and Evolution
The 15th edition was conducted in Idaho, USA, in 2024, with around 45 personnel from each side. The 2023 edition took place at Umroi, Meghalaya.
The exercise has consistently featured joint airborne drills, helocasting operations, and special reconnaissance missions. Alternating venues allow both sides to train in varied terrains and climatic conditions.
This continuity has strengthened professional bonds between the Indian Army Special Forces and the US Army Green Berets.
Static GK fact: Meghalaya’s capital is Shillong, often called the “Scotland of the East.”
Participating Forces and Training Modules
The Indian contingent is represented by elite units of the Indian Army Special Forces. The US side is represented by the United States Army Green Berets, known for unconventional warfare expertise.
Training modules include close-quarter battle drills, counter-terror operations, and urban warfare simulations. High-altitude combat preparedness is also emphasized due to India’s northern terrain profile.
These engagements ensure precision, discipline, and rapid response capabilities in joint missions.
Broader Defence Engagement
The India-US defence partnership has expanded significantly over the last decade. Both countries conduct several bilateral exercises to strengthen military ties.
Key exercises include Yudh Abhyas (Army), Malabar (Naval), and Cope India (Air Force). These engagements reinforce shared commitments toward Indo-Pacific stability and counter-terror cooperation.
Static GK fact: The Malabar naval exercise originally began in 1992 as a bilateral drill between India and the United States.
Vayushakti 26 Demonstrates Air Power
Parallel to Vajra Prahar, the Indian Air Force is conducting Vayushakti-26 on February 27, 2026, at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range in Jaisalmer.
The exercise showcases fighter aircraft operations, transport missions, night combat drills, and humanitarian assistance capabilities. Aircraft such as Tejas, Rafale, Sukhoi-30MKI, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, MiG-29, C-130J, C-17, Apache, and Chinook are expected to participate.
Static GK fact: Pokhran in Rajasthan is historically known for India’s nuclear tests in 1974 and 1998.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Vajra Prahar 2026 Strengthens India US Special Forces Partnership:
| Topic | Detail |
| Exercise Name | Vajra Prahar 2026 |
| Edition | 16th |
| Duration | February 23 – March 15, 2026 |
| Location | Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh |
| Participating Forces | Indian Army Special Forces and US Army Green Berets |
| Previous Edition | 2024, Idaho, USA |
| Parallel Exercise | Vayushakti-26 |
| Vayushakti Venue | Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range, Jaisalmer |
