1. Joint military exercise 'Vajra Prahar-2024' between India and America
Tags: Defence
EXERCISE ‘VAJRA PRAHAR’-2024
Why in news:
- The Indian Army contingent departed today for the 15th edition of India- US joint Special Forces.
Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR-2024:
- The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 2nd to 22nd November 2024 at Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, USA. Last edition of the same exercise was conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya in December 2023.
- This will be the second exercise of the year between Indian and the US Army, the previous being Exercise YUDH ABHYAS 2024, conducted at Rajasthan in September 2024.
- Contingents of both the countries taking part in the joint exercise will comprise 45 personnel each. The Indian Army contingent will be represented by Special Forces units and the US Army contingent will be represented by Green Berets of the US.
Aim of the exercise:
- Aim of Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR is to promote military cooperation between India and the US through enhancement of interoperability, jointness and mutual exchange of special operations tactics.
- The exercise will enhance combined capabilities in executing joint Special Forces Operations in desert/ semi desert environments.
- The exercise will focus on a high degree of physical fitness, joint planning and joint tactical drills.
Significance:
- Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR will enable the two sides to share their best practices and experiences for conduct of joint Special Forces Operations.
- The exercise will facilitate developing interoperability, bonhomie and camaraderie between soldiers of both the countries.
2. India-US Joint Military Exercise, "YUDH ABHYAS-2024" Begins in Rajasthan
Tags: Defence
The 20th edition of the India-US joint military exercise, "YUDH ABHYAS-2024", began at the Foreign Training Node located at Mahajan Field Firing Range in Bikaner, Rajasthan.
An Overview of the News
The exercises began with a parade ceremony on 9 September.
Around 1200 soldiers from the South Western Command of the Indian Army and the US military are participating.
Duration and Activities
The exercise will last for 15 days.
Soldiers from both countries will engage in practicing various war strategies.
Key Features
For the first time, the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) from the US is being demonstrated, with a range of 310 kilometers.
The exercise will showcase and practice multiple military strategies.
Strategic Importance
The aim is to enhance the internal capabilities of both armies and improve joint operational potential.
The exercise is significant for strengthening the growing bilateral defense relations between India and the US.
3. Indian Navy Chief R Hari Kumar participates in the 25th ISS in the US
Tags: Defence
Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) of the Indian Navy participated in the 25th International Sea Power Symposium (ISS) in the United States of America.
An Overview of the News
The event was organized by the US Navy and was held at the US Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island from September 19 to 22, 2023.
CNS R Hari Kumar participated in bilateral talks with naval counterparts from several countries including the United States, Australia, Egypt, Fiji, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the UK.
Operating Partnerships and Exercises
It emphasized the Indian Navy's commitment to enhance operational partnership with the United States Navy in various exercises including MALABAR, RIMPAC, Sea Dragon and Tiger Triumph.
Detailed discussions took place regarding human resource management in the context of ISS, with a focus on recruitment, retention and gender equality within the Indian Navy.
Strengthening Defense Relations
The visit of CNS Admiral R Hari Kumar further strengthened defense ties between India and the United States.
The visit provided valuable opportunities for high-level naval engagement with diverse partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
Military Exercises
Army Exercises:
Yudh Abhyas: Held at both brigade and battalion levels, around 250 soldiers from each army participate.
Vajra Prahar (Army Special Forces): A special forces exercise between American and Indian squads.
Air Force Exercise:
Cope India: Aerial exercise conducted at various Indian Air Force stations.
Tri-Service Exercises:
Tiger Triumph (TRIUMPH): A tri-service amphibious exercise involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force as well as the US Navy and Marine Corps.
Multilateral Exercises:
Malabar Naval Exercise: It involves India, the US, Australia, and Japan. Australia and Japan joined in recent years, with the latest edition being held in Australia in August 2023.
RIMPAC Naval Exercise: The world's largest naval exercise conducted by the US Navy, with India's participation in the 22nd edition in 2022.
Special Exercises between India and America:
Exercise Sangam: A joint Naval Special Forces exercise involving India's MARCOS and US Navy SEALs.
Exercise Tarkash: A joint exercise between elite counter-terrorism forces of the two countries, including India's National Security Guard and US special forces.
4. 4 US soldiers promoted high up on Nanda Devi during India-US military exercise
Tags: Defence International News
For the first time, four US Army officers from the 11th Airborne Division have been promoted to India's second highest Himalayan peak Nanda Devi during the 18th edition of Indo-US joint military exercise 'Yudh Abhyas' in Uttarakhand.
Important facts
Capt. Cerruti, Lt. Russell, Lt. Brown and Lt. Hack became the first four USArmy Officers to be promoted in the Himalayas during Yudh Abhyas Exercise.
US soldiers from the 2nd Brigade of the 11th Airborne Division and Indian Army soldiers from the Assam Regiment are participating in a two-week joint military exercise.
Yudh Abhyas is conducted annually between India and the US with the aim of exchanging best practices, tactics, techniques and procedures between the armies of the two nations.
The aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability and share expertise in peacekeeping and disaster relief operations between the two armies.
The joint exercise will also focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.
Nanda Devi Peak
Nanda Devi is the second-highest mountain in India, after Kangchenjunga, and located entirely within India (Kangchenjunga is on the border of India and Nepal). It is in the state of Uttarakhand (Chamoli district).
It is the 23rd-highest peak in the world.
The Nanda Devi Peak is a part of the Garhwal Himalayas.
5. The Indian Army is training dogs and Kites to deal with drone menace
Tags: Defence
To deal with the menace of drones the Indian Army is training dogs and Kites (Cheel in Hindi) to identify and destroy the drones. Hostile elements from Pakistan are sending drugs, arms and ammunition to India through drones which is creating a security problem for India.
Recently on 24 November, Jammu and Kashmir Police recovered a consignment of weapons and Indian currency that were dropped by a Pakistani drone in the Samba district of Jammu.
The Dog alerts the Army after hearing the noise of the drones and the Kite is used to identify the location of the drones.
A trained Kite named ‘Arjun’ was demonstrated during the ongoing 18th edition of the Indo-US joint training exercise "Yudh Abhyas 22" in Auli, Uttarakhand. The 18th edition of the Yudh Abhyas is being held from 14 October to 31 October 2022.
What is a Drone?
Drones are also called pilotless aircraft or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). It is not flown by humans but is remotely controlled by the humans.
It is equipped with infrared cameras, GPS and laser. It is used in Space, in the military, for transporting goods, for spraying insecticides for land mapping etc.
6. INDO - US Joint training Exercise“YUDH ABHYAS 2022” to commence in Uttarakhand
Tags: Defence National News
The 18th edition of Indo-US joint training exercise "Yudh Abhyas 22" will be held in Auli, Uttarakhand in November 2022.
Important facts
The 'Yudh Abhyas' between India and the US is held annually with the aim of exchanging best practices, strategies, techniques and procedures between the armies of the two countries.
The previous edition of this exercise was conducted in October 2021 at Joint Base Elmdorf Richardson, Alaska (USA).
The US Army soldier from the 2nd Brigade of the 11th Airborne Division and Indian Army soldier from the Assam Regiment will participate in the exercise.
The training schedule focuses on employment of an integrated battle group under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate.
The training program will cover all functions related to peacekeeping and peace enforcement.
Soldiers of both the countries will work together to achieve common objectives. The joint exercise will also focus on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
Troops of both the countries will practise launching quick and coordinated relief efforts in the wake of any natural calamity.
The exercise was started in 2004 under the US Army Pacific Partnership Program.
Other Exercises between India and the USA
Exercise Tiger Triumph - Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief exercise
Exercise Vajra Prahar - Special Forces’ Exercise
Cope India - Air Force
Malabar Exercise - Quadrilateral naval exercise of India, USA, Japan and Australia
Red Flag - US’ multilateral air exercise
7. Joint Military Training-2022 With Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) at Air Force Station Kalaikunda
Tags: Defence
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Singapore Air Force (RSAF) began their six-week-long 11th annual Joint Military Training (JMT) on 3 November, 2022, at Air Force Station, Kalaikunda.
Important facts
The air forces of these two countries have resumed this training after a gap of two years.
This training could not take place during the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The bilateral phase of the exercise will be conducted from November 9 to 18, 2022 and both the air forces will engage in advanced air warfare exercise.
RSAF is participating with F-16 aircraft in JMT- 2022.
Apart from this, the IAF will field Su-30 MKI, Jaguar, MiG-29 and LCA Tejas aircraft in this exercise.
The exercise underlines the strong and long standing ties between India and Singapore in the field of defence cooperation.
Objective of Joint Military Training
It aims to provide an opportunity to the participating crews to share valuable operational knowledge, experience and best practices while strengthening the professional relationship between the two Air Forces.
India's Joint Military Exercise with other countries
Mitra Shakti - India & Sri Lanka
Maitree Exercise - India & Thailand
Yudh Abhyas - India and US
Vajra Prahar - India and US
Garuda Shakti - India & Indonesia
Nomadic Elephant - India & Mongolia
Shakti Exercise - India & France
Surya Kiran - India and Nepal
SIMBEX - India and Singapore
CORPAT - India and Thailand
8. India,US to hold mega military exercise in Uttarakhand's Auli in October
Tags: Defence
India and the US will conduct the 18th edition of the 'Yudh Abhyas' series from October 14 to 31 in Auli, Uttarakhand.
Important facts
The exercise is aimed at enhancing understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the two armies.
The previous edition of the exercise was held in Alaska, USA in October last year.
The exercise is being conducted in the backdrop of rapidly changing situations in the Indo-Pacific.
India - US Defence Cooperation
India-US defence ties have been getting stronger over the past few years.
In June 2016, the US designated India as a "major defence partner".
The two countries have signed major defence and security agreements including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) over the years.
In 2018, COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) was signed between India and US.
This allows for interoperability between the two armies and paves the way for the sale of high-end technology from the US to India.
In the year 2020, BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) was signed to further boost bilateral defence ties.
It provides for sharing of high-end military technology, logistics and geospatial maps between India and US.
Other Exercises of India with the USA
VAJRA PRAHAR (Army)
Cope India (Air Force)
Red Flag (USA’s multilateral air exercise)
Malabar Exercise (trilateral naval exercise of three countries India, USA and Japan)
9. Indo-Oman joint military exercise commences in Rajasthan
Tags: Defence
The joint military Exercise AL NAJAH -IV between contingents of Indian Army and the Royal Army of Oman is starting from 1 August at the Foreign Training Node of Mahajan Field Firing Range in Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Important facts
It will take place from August 1 to 13. It is the fourth edition of Exercise AL NAJAH -IV.
The joint military exercise aims to enhance the level of bilateral defence cooperation between the both countries.
A 60-member team of the Royal Army of Oman has reached the exercise site.
The Indian Army will be represented in the exercise by soldiers from 18 Mechanized Infantry Battalions.
The previous edition of this exercise was conducted in March 2019 in Muscat.
The scope of the exercise
Professional interaction, mutual understanding of exercises and procedures, establishment of joint command and control structures and elimination of terrorist threats.
It will focus on counter-terrorism operations, regional security operations and peacekeeping operations under the United Nations Charter, besides conducting joint physical training programmes, tactical exercises, techniques and procedures.
India's Joint Military Exercise with other countries
Mitra Shakti - India & Sri Lanka
Maitree Exercise - India & Thailand
Yudh Abhyas - India and US
Vajra Prahar - India and US
Garuda Shakti - India & Indonesia
Nomadic Elephant - India & Mongolia
Shakti Exercise - India & France
Surya Kiran - India and Nepal
SIMBEX - India and Singapore
CORPAT - India and Thailand
About Oman
Sultan - Haitham bin Tariq Al Said
Capital - Muscat
Official Language - Arabic
Official Religion - Islam
Currency - Omani rial
10. Maritime Exercise Malabar Phase II
Tags:
Why in the news?
Recently the second phase of exercise Malabar 2021, along with the Quad countries, was conducted in the Bay of Bengal from October 12 to 15 2021.
Objectives:
- It aims to better coordination between the Navies, observation of enemy's tactics, and familiarization with new technologies.
Phase 1:
- The phase 1 of Malabar exercise 2021 was conducted of the coast of Guam, in the Philippine Sea, in the western Pacific from 26 August to 29 August 2021.
What is Malabar Exercise?
- It is a multilateral naval exercise.
- It was started in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between the Indian and US navies.
- Japan joined in 2015.
- Last year it was held in early September off the coast of Japan.
What is Quad?
- Known as the 'Quadrilateral Security Dialogue' (QSD), the Quad is an informal strategic forum between four nations, namely - United States of America (USA), India, Australia and Japan.
Objectives:
- The primary objective of the Quad is to work for a free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
- The group met for the first time in 2007. It is considered an alliance of maritime democracies, and the forum is maintained by meetings, semi-regular summits, information exchanges and military drills of all the member countries.
Additional Information:
- The 8th Edition of joint exercise Mitra shakti is conducted between India and Sri-Lanka.
- India and Sri Lanka will begin a 12 – day exercise “Mitra Shakti” in Shri Lankas’ Ampara from 4th October with a focus on enhancing counter terror cooperation.
- The aim of exercise is to enhance interoperability and sharing best practices in counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations between armies of both countries.
- 7th edition was held in 2019 at foreign training node (FTN) , Pune and Maharashtra
Other Exercises in 2021
Exercise Name | Participant Nations |
Maitree Exercise | India & Thailand |
Yudh Abhyas | India & US |
Sampriti | India & Bangladesh |
Nomadic Elephant | India & Mongolia |
Shakti Exercise | India & France |
Surya Kiran | India & Nepal |
Garuda Shakti | India & Indonesia |
Mitra Shakti | India & Sri Lanka |
Surya Kiran | India & Nepal |
Hand in Hand Exercise | India & China |
CORPAT | India & Thailand |
