Current Affairs - Defence

Himachal Pradesh is the host state for the 16th edition of the India–US Joint Special Forces Exercise ‘Vajra Prahar’, being held at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh from 24 February to 16 March 2026. The exercise involves personnel from the Indian Army’s Special Forces and the United States Army’s Green Berets. It focuses on enhancing interoperability, strengthening joint operational capabilities, and exchanging expertise in special operations tactics. Special emphasis is placed on conducting coordinated missions in mountainous terrain, improving combat readiness and reinforcing the growing defence partnership between the two nations.

Pokhran was the location where the Indian Army’s Konark Corps carried out the successful test firing of the Strela-10 Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS). The exercise took place at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan’s desert sector. The missile system, launched from a BMP-based mobile platform, achieved direct hits on simulated low-altitude aerial targets such as aircraft, helicopters, and drones. The drill demonstrated operational readiness, effective surveillance integration, strong crew coordination, and accurate engagement under challenging desert conditions, reinforcing India’s air defence preparedness in strategically sensitive regions.

INS Sudarshini made a historic port call at Safaga, Egypt, after sailing 1,832 nautical miles from Salalah as part of the Lokayan-26 mission. The voyage demonstrated the crew’s endurance, seamanship, and operational capability across challenging waters, including transit through the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. The visit included high-level meetings and community outreach activities, strengthening maritime cooperation and training ties between India and Egypt. The deployment aligns with the Indian Navy’s “Bridges of Friendship” initiative, aimed at enhancing international maritime collaboration and goodwill.

The 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026 will be conducted in Himachal Pradesh at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh. This joint military exercise between India and the United States aims to enhance defence cooperation, interoperability, and counter-terrorism capabilities. The drill includes close-quarter battle exercises, urban warfare simulations, high-altitude training, and realistic combat scenarios. Conducted alternately in both countries, Vajra Prahar reflects the deepening strategic partnership between the two democracies. Such exercises strengthen mutual trust, improve joint operational readiness, and reinforce shared commitments toward regional stability and security cooperation.

France is collaborating with India to establish the National Centre of Excellence in Aeronautics and Defence at Kanpur under the PM-SETU scheme. The initiative was announced during the India–France Year of Innovation, reflecting deepening bilateral cooperation in advanced technologies, defence manufacturing, and skill development. The Centre will focus on aeronautics, maintenance and overhaul services, airport operations, and space-related training. This partnership builds upon the India–France Strategic Partnership and follows a 2025 Memorandum of Understanding in vocational education and training, aiming to create globally competitive aviation professionals aligned with international standards.