Photographs: Courtesy DPR, Navy
Defence Minister A K Antony was on Wednesday given a glimpse of the expansive scope and scale of the Indian Navy.
The annual two-day Theatre Level Readiness and Operational Exercise (TROPEX) is being conducted off the Bay of Bengal.
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PHOTOS: When our naval warships spewed FIRE
Photographs: Courtesy DPR, Navy
In the backdrop, were two completely networked fleets, widely dispersed across seas in the Indian Ocean, operating in a dense electronic environment to match their professional and technical proficiency.
New platforms, weapons sensors, communication systems and tactics were being tested and tried to optimise the net combat power of the fleets.
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Photographs: Courtesy DPR, Navy
Over forty surface combatants of various classes, submarines and a large number of aircraft, including UAVs, are participating in the exercise.
As would be the case in any operation of the twenty first century, the exercise had a jointmanship element as IAF aircraft such as AWACS, Sukhois, Mirages and Jaguars also participated.
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Photographs: Courtesy DPR, Navy
'No Limits', the motto of INS Shivalik where Antony first landed, best described the scale of the Indian naval operational exercise.
The defence minister witnessed INS Shivalik execute, various evolutions, including a 'surface gun shoot' and jackstay with INS Shakti in copy book fashion.
Incidentally, it may be recalled that the defence minister had commissioned INS Shivalik on April 29, 2010 and Admiral Verma had commissioned INS Shakti on October 1, 2011.
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Photographs: Courtesy DPR, Navy
INS Viraat, the Flag ship of the Western Fleet, demonstrated the power of a networked force as operational plots and pictures from remote sensors were transferred and collated in a flash to present a comprehensive picture of the battle-space and effect optimal use of the weapons on board the various potent ships.
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The recently upgraded Sea Harriers proved their lethality with ranges extended by Air to Air refueling and BVR missiles.
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SU-30MKI aircraft, Mirages and Jaguars, being directed by an IAF AWACS, operating over sea for the first time tested the air defence capability of the INS Viraat even as the ships were operating in a multi-threat scenario.
During this battle the defence minister witnessed, first hand, the potency of the upgraded Sea Harriers, particularly in the networked environment.
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witnessed the successful interception of a fast, low flying, surface-to-surface missile by a SAM. A clear night with a full moon laid an idyllic setting for this demonstration of power and professionalism.
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Photographs: Courtesy DPR, Navy
Antony also witnessed a successful and impressive launch of the Brahmos, supersonic long-range anti-ship missile, from the recently-upgraded Ranvir class destroyer.
The launch of the missile was an affirmation of India's indigenous weapon capabilities.
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PHOTOS: When our naval warships spewed FIRE
Photographs: Courtesy DPR, Navy
Also on display was a full scale air power demonstration from INS Viraat with Sea King helicopters, Sea Harriers and Chetak helicopters participating.
Whilst on board INS Viraat, Antony was also shown the reputed professionalism of the MARCOS as they carried out a precision landing on the flight deck in the middle of the sea using combat free fall technique.
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