Article Posted on : - Feb 15, 2018

A representational photo.

MUMBAI (PTI): Around 40 ships, submarines and fighter aircraft participated in 'Paschim Lehar', a tri-service maritime exercise off India's western coast, Indian the Navy has said.

The objective of the exercise, which commenced on February 12, is to build interoperability, an official spokesperson said on Wednesday.

"This exercise includes participation of a large number of ships, submarines and aircraft from the Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy. Units from Eastern Naval Command, Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Coast Guard are also participating to build interoperability," the spokesperson said in a statement.

"Over 40 ships and submarines, a similar number of maritime surveillance, fighter aircraft, helicopters and Remotely Piloted Aircraft of the Indian Navy and the IAF are participating.

"The Amphibious capabilities of the armed forces, along with the elements of Army Amphibious Brigade will also be deployed and tested for operational tasking during the exercise," it said.

The exercise includes a number of weapon firings, including missile, gun and torpedo firings during the initial phase. The second phase is structured to validate and refine the operational plans of the Western Naval Command, the statement said.