WATCH: IAF Carries Out Precision Airdrop With C-130J 'Super Hercules' Aircraft

During the Indo-US joint exercise Vajra Prahar 2023, the Indian Defence and US Military have conducted several operations to learn the best practices.

As a part of the ongoing Indo-US joint exercise Vajra Prahar 2023, the Indian Air Force's C-130J 'Super Hercules' aircraft carried out a precision airdrop of combat troops as well as specialised warfighting equipment in the northeastern sector on Friday. The 14th edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise commenced at the Joint Training Node, Umroi, on November 21 and will end on December 11.

The US contingent is represented by personnel from the 1st Special Forces Group (SFG) of the US Special Forces. The Indian Army contingent is led by Special Forces personnel from the Eastern Command.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the joint exercise between the forces of the two countries aims to share best practices and experiences in areas such as joint mission planning and operational tactics.

During the course of the exercise, both sides will jointly plan and rehearse a series of special operations, counter-terrorism operations, and airborne operations in both simulated conventional and unconventional scenarios in mountainous terrain.

On Wednesday, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Individual Augmentees (IA) from the US conducted various joint drills. The troops from both countries exercised in a Mi-17 Helicopter at Shillong's Umiam Lake.

The helocasting operations were also carried out, displaying high standards of precision, synergy, and professionalism.

The key highlights of this joint exercise include 'Combat free-fall insertion of troops from stand-off distances', 'Waterborne insertion of troops', 'Precision engagement of targets at long ranges', 'Combat air control of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft', besides 'Airborne insertion and sustenance of troops'.

According to the ministry, Exercise Vajra Prahar has evolved as a mechanism to exchange ideas and share best practices between the Special Forces of both nations. It is also a platform to enhance interoperability and strengthen defence cooperation between the armies of India and the United States.