AJEYA WARRIOR-25: Enhancing India-UK Defence Collaboration

AJEYA WARRIOR-25: An Overview of India-UK Military Collaboration

The eighth edition of the India-UK Joint Military Training Exercise, 'AJEYA WARRIOR-25,' commenced on November 17, 2025, at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. This significant biennial event started in 2011 and continues to solidify the partnership between the Indian and British armies. Scheduled to conclude on November 30, 2025, the exercise involves 240 military personnel from each country, showcasing an equal commitment to this collaborative effort.

Focus on Counter-Terror Operations

Under a United Nations mandate, AJEYA WARRIOR-25 centers on counter-terrorism operations within semi-urban environments. This focus addresses current global security challenges and underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism. Over the 14-day exercise, Indian and UK soldiers will engage in:

• Joint mission planning at the Brigade level to enhance interoperability
• Integrated tactical drills designed for semi-urban warfare
• Simulation-based training to adapt to evolving threats
• Company-level field exercises simulating real-world counter-terror scenarios

The training is poised to foster operational synergy and expose both armies to effective practices and tactical strategies.

A Flagship Defence Engagement Since 2011

The AJEYA WARRIOR series has become a pivotal component of India-UK defence cooperation. The 2025 edition reaffirms the commitment of both countries to:

• Professional military collaboration
• Peacekeeping under the UN framework
• Enhancing regional and global security
• Formulating joint responses to modern security threats

Both nations view this exercise as a platform to deepen trust, enhance mutual understanding, and build coordinated mechanisms for counter-terror and peace-support operations.

The Importance of AJEYA WARRIOR-25

The contemporary world faces intricate security challenges, ranging from cross-border terrorism to urban insurgencies. Exercises like AJEYA WARRIOR play a crucial role in:

• Strengthening combined operational capabilities
• Improving interoperability in multinational settings
• Preparing troops for UN-mandated peacekeeping missions
• Sharing innovations in weapons handling, surveillance, and tactical maneuvers

For India, this exercise complements its growing role in global peacekeeping and commitment to maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific. For the UK, it reinforces engagement with key defence partners in Asia.