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The United Kingdom and India have wrapped up the eighth edition of Exercise Ajeya Warrior, a major bilateral training initiative aimed at strengthening interoperability between their armed forces. The exercise, held from 17 to 30 November at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, brought together troops from the A (Amboor) Company, 2nd Battalion, Royal Gurkha Rifles and the Indian Army’s 21st Sikh Regiment.
Multi-Domain Focus With Air Force Participation
This year’s edition stood out for its expanded air–land integration, with the Indian Air Force joining both armies for integrated day-and-night Special Heliborne Operations. Conducted in the desert environment of Rajasthan, these missions involved coordinated insertion and extraction drills, highlighting the growing emphasis on rapid mobility and multi-domain operational synergy.
According to sources in the defence establishments, the inclusion of air assets enhanced the realism of the scenarios and demonstrated the UK and India’s ability to operate jointly across domains.
Increasingly Complex Peace Enforcement and Counterterrorism Drills
Continuing a trend of rising complexity, Ajeya Warrior 2025 focused on peace enforcement missions in a counterterrorism setting, consistent with provisions under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
Training covered a wide spectrum of tasks, including: Counter-IED detection and neutralisation; Deployment and employment of small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS); Company-level manoeuvres and battle drills; Urban and semi-urban warfare, including room clearance and building assaults; and, Tactical employment of support weapons.
These sessions culminated in a battle group–level final exercise, during which both forces operated under a single, integrated command. Troops practised joint planning, coordinated movement, and real-time decision-making, providing both sides with valuable insights into each other’s operational doctrines.
Camaraderie and Cultural Exchange
Beyond combat drills, the exercise emphasised teamwork and cultural understanding. Personnel participated in fitness challenges, team sports, and informal interactions that strengthened bonds between the two contingents. Commanders described this component as essential for building trust and seamless cooperation during joint missions.
UK Officials Highlight Strategic Importance
The British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, said the exercise reflects a deepening partnership aligned with the UK–India Vision 2035.
She noted that Ajeya Warrior illustrates the two nations’ shared commitment to “peace, stability and a rules-based international order,” adding that defence cooperation remains a core pillar of the long-term roadmap.
The British Defence Adviser in India, Commodore Chris Saunders, said the exercise demonstrated the adaptability of both armies in an evolving security landscape.
He highlighted the demanding nature of the counterterrorism scenarios and praised the performance of the Royal Gurkha Rifles and the 21st Sikh Regiment. Saunders added that Ajeya Warrior builds on the recent engagement between the UK Carrier Strike Group and the Indian Navy during the Konkan maritime exercise.
He confirmed that the UK looks forward to hosting the next edition, Ajeya Warrior IX, in 2027.
Part of a Broader Defence Partnership
Ajeya Warrior is one element of a rapidly expanding UK–India defence relationship. The two countries have recently agreed on a 10-year Defence Industrial Roadmap, designed to promote co-development, co-production and greater collaboration between defence industries.
The UK also continues to host Indian officers as instructors at several prestigious military academies, including the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and Britannia Royal Naval College, reinforcing longstanding training and institutional ties.
A Strengthened Foundation for Joint Readiness
As the latest edition concludes, analysts say Ajeya Warrior has again proven to be a vital platform for boosting interoperability, sharing best practices, and enhancing readiness for modern threats.
Team BharatShakti
