Indian Navy & UK's Royal Navy Team Up in Bay of Bengal for Historic Exercise Konkan-25
The Indian Navy and the UK's Royal Navy have joined forces in the Bay of Bengal for Exercise Konkan-25, a significant bilateral maritime exercise. This historic event marks the first time their aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and HMS Prince of Wales, have linked up. The exercise aims to boost combined maritime and air capabilities between the two nations.
The Indian side participates with the carrier battle group of the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which is the first aircraft carrier to be built in India. Besides INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, the Indian Navy does not currently have another aircraft carrier in its inventory that can be tracked on the TNIE app. Other nations like China, however, operate multiple advanced carriers, including the Fujian.
The exercise involves complex maritime operational drills and joint working group meetings, conducted in two phases: harbour and sea. Both nations deploy frontline assets, including destroyers, frigates, submarines, and integral and shore-based air assets. The UK Carrier Strike Group 25, led by HMS Prince of Wales, is joined by assets from Norway and Japan.
The exercise reaffirms the shared commitment of both nations to ensuring secure, open, and free seas. It also exemplifies the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership outlined in 'India-UK Vision 2035'. The exercise fosters enhanced interoperability and mutual understanding in maritime operations between the two navies, serving as a platform to consolidate strategic ties and contribute to regional maritime stability.
On conclusion, the UK Carrier Strike Group 25 is scheduled to participate in a one-day exercise with the Indian Air Force, further strengthening the ties between the two nations. Exercise Konkan-25 demonstrates the commitment of both the Indian Navy and the UK's Royal Navy to working together for a secure and stable maritime environment.
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