The exercise is held in the UK and India alternately every two years, with the aim of pooling together ideas, enhancing interoperability and developing army-to-army links.
This year’s exercise was held at the Mahajan Ranges, in Rajasthanm, and involved the 20th Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles and the 1st Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment (aka the Vikings).
The exercise began with troops participating in a series of familiarisation stands, lectures and physical training activities. From getting to know one another’s kit and equipment, to understanding each other’s experiences and tactics on operations, the exercise provided an excellent platform to learn from each other.
Integration was top of the agenda, with troops from both sides working together in mixed companies on challenging live firing tests, which tested their abilities and stamina.
An exercise based on a cordon and search operation saw both sets of troops use the lessons learnt over the previous ten days and from their combined combat experiences to execute a successful operation.
Company Commander of B (Suffolk) Company of the Vikings said: “Exercise Ajeya Warrior has been a unique and hugely beneficial experience for us. The hospitality shown by our friends in the Indian Army has been first class, and we are very grateful for the opportunity to work so closely together.
“The ethos, culture and professionalism in our two armies is extremely similar, allowing us to form a very effective partnership on this exercise. I have no doubt that we would do likewise in the future if we were called upon to fight side-by-side in defence our two peoples and the democratic values we share.”
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Britain Exercise Ajeya Warrior India Mahajan Ranges Rajputana Rifles Royal Anglian Regiment