Article Posted on : - Feb 07, 2017

BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile being test fired during TROPEX 2017. An Indian Navy photo/Twitter

NEW DELHI (PTI): In the backdrop of the current security scenario, Indian Navy has carried out a mega exercise involving large number of strategic assets including BRAHMOS missiles Su-30 and Jaguar fighters and aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.

The Theatre level Readiness and Operational Exercise (TROPEX) is aimed at testing combat readiness of the combined fleets of the Indian Navy, and the assets of the Indian Air Force, Indian Army and the Indian Coast Guard.

Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Sunil Lanba embarked ships of the Indian Fleet (both Western and Eastern) over the last two days to review the ongoing exercise. He was accompanied by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, the Ministry of Defence said.

The month-long exercise, which began on January 24, involved gunnery shoots, surface-to-air missile engagements, BRAHMOS firing and operations of the combined fleet in a complex multi threat environment including sub surface and air threats.

The area of operations for TROPEX spans across the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea and North Central Indian Ocean and serves as an opportunity to validate the Indian Navy's Concepts of Operation.

The exercise encompassed all dimensions of maritime warfare and is witnessing participation of over 60 ships, five submarines and more than 70 naval aircraft.

It also includes participation of a large number of assets from the Indian Air Force, such as Su-30 and Jaguar fighters, AWACS, C 130J Hercules and in-flight refuelling aircraft among others.

"The CNS witnessed a host of exercises namely Gunnery shoots, Surface to Air missile engagements, BRAHMOS firing and operations of the combined Fleet in a complex multi threat environment including sub surface and air threats

"The high-point of the exercise was Large Force Engagement (LFE) by the Fleet units against threat simulated by air element from Indian Air Force comprising AWACS, SU 30s, Jaguars and IL 78," the Ministry said in a statement.

It said these threats emanated from different directions and were neutralised by using Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile capabilities of MiG 29Ks, the integral air arm of the Indian Navy, operating from INS Vikramaditya in coordination with other Fleet units.

"TROPEX 17 assumes special significance in the backdrop of the current security scenario, being aimed at testing combat readiness of the combined fleets of the Indian Navy, and the assets of the Indian Air Force, Indian Army and the Indian Coast Guard," the ministry said.

As a part of the exercise, niche capabilities of the Marine Commandoes (MARCOs) and Army Special Forces, including Airborne Assault and Combat Free Fall were undertaken from IAF C-130 aircraft.

Naval forces, while enforcing sea and airspace control all around the affected islands, undertook beaching and heli-borne operations for landing of follow-on forces.

During debrief of the exercise, CNS and Chief of Army Staff discussed various options to further enhance the effectiveness of the joint exercise, the ministry said.

It said the exercise will also strengthen inter-operability and joint operations in a complex environment.

"The CNS during his address to the Fleet congratulated the men for keeping the fleet combat ready at all times and executing all assigned tasks in a most professional manner.

"CNS also mentioned that training during peacetime has to be at par with how we would Fight during war and emphasised on taking bold decisions with due cognisance to risks involved and ensuring safety of men and material," said the Defence Ministry statement.