WESTERN AND EASTERN FLEETS OF INDIAN NAVY ALONG WITH IAF AND COAST GUARD ELEMENTS CONVERGE IN BAY OF BENGAL FOR TROPEX 2010

New Delhi

February 25, 2010
Admiral Nirmal Verma, Chief of the Naval Staff along with Shri Pradeep Kumar, Defence Secretary embarked the aircraft carrier INS Viraat operating on the eastern seaboard to kick start the first phase of ‘TROPEX 10’. The exercise involves the participation of most major combatants of the Indian Navy, as also participation of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Coast Guard.

Just as the combination of the two fleets and the elements of the sister services contribute to synergy, the presence of the Defence Secretary with the CNS is indicative of the close coordination and synergy of the Indian Navy and the Ministry of Defence, which is the key to enhancing effectiveness at the “business end” of the Navy.

The two Western and Eastern fleets of the Indian Navy are presently carrying out a Joint Work Up after which they will proceed for a ‘mock battle’ to test their tactical skills and operational readiness. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(UAVs) and Airborne Early Warning(AEW) helicopters of the Indian Navy, Air to Air Refueller , Jaguars and SU 30 of the IAF and advanced missile systems have also been deployed. Missile, torpedo and gun firings have also been conducted.

Several operational concepts, which have earlier been ‘war-gamed’ as part of a series of ‘Table-Top Exercises’ {these are played on paper, in the various Maritime Warfare Centres (MWCs) of the Navy}, are now being practically exercised at sea. Lessons learnt during the exercise will be used to further develop the Navy’s tactical and operational doctrines. Observers from Army and Air Force have also embarked various participating ships to gain first -hand experience of Naval combat operations. Conduct of joint operations is one of the focused aims of the exercise.

Overall, the exercise is intended to thoroughly test the human and material endurance of the Navy, the efficacy of its operational and logistics plans and its combat effectiveness.