The 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026, a joint Special Forces exercise between the Indian Army and the United States Army, will be conducted from 23 February to 15 March 2026 at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh Cantonment, in Himachal Pradesh. The annual exercise is a key pillar of India–US defence cooperation, aimed at enhancing interoperability and joint operational readiness between the two armies.
The three-week drill will focus on advanced special operations tactics, techniques and procedures, providing a platform for joint planning and execution of missions. Training modules will include reconnaissance, employment of unmanned aerial systems, joint terminal attack control, execution of special operations, psychological warfare and high-intensity tactical drills. Emphasis will also be laid on physical conditioning and mission planning under realistic operational conditions.
According to the Indian Army, the exercise is designed to enhance combined capabilities for Special Forces operations across varied terrains, including desert and semi-desert environments. The interaction will enable both sides to exchange best practices and strengthen mutual understanding in counter-terrorism and precision strike operations.
The previous edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar was held in November 2024 at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, United States, with equal participation from Indian Army Special Forces—primarily the Para Commandos of the Parachute Regiment—and the US Army’s Green Berets. Alongside Vajra Prahar, India and the US continue to conduct a wide range of bilateral and tri-service exercises such as Yudh Abhyas, Tiger Triumph, Malabar and Cope India, reflecting the expanding scope and depth of the India–US strategic and military partnership.
