Exercise Konkan 2023

The Indian Navy and the Royal Navy conducted their annual bilateral maritime exercise called Konkan 2023 off the Konkan coast in the Arabian Sea from March 20 to 22, 2023. This exercise involved INS Trishul, a guided missile frigate, and HMS Lancaster, a Type 23 guided missile frigate, and aimed to improve cooperation and learn best practices through various maritime drills.

Exercise Drills

These drills covered air, surface, and sub-surface operations, such as gunnery shoots on an inflatable surface target called ‘Killer Tomato,’ helicopter operations, anti-aircraft, and anti-submarine warfare exercises, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), ship manoeuvres, and personnel exchange.

Benefits

The maritime exercise proved to be highly beneficial for the personnel of both navies, as it displayed a remarkable level of professionalism and enthusiasm throughout its execution. The personnel were focused on operational readiness, improving cooperation, and the ability to conduct joint operations.

Improving Cooperation

The exercise aimed to improve cooperation between the Indian and Royal Navy. Such efforts will significantly contribute to strengthening the Indian Navy and Royal Navy’s combined efforts in enhancing maritime security and maintaining a rules-based order in the region.

Learning Best Practices

The Konkan 2023 exercise was a great opportunity for the Indian and Royal Navy to learn best practices from each other. Both navies learned from each other’s experiences and demonstrated their operational capabilities to each other.

Surface and Sub-Surface Operations

The exercise included surface and sub-surface operations. The personnel of both navies conducted anti-aircraft and anti-submarine warfare exercises, which would be beneficial in any future operations.

Gunnery Shoots

One of the highlights of the exercise was gunnery shoots on an inflatable surface target called ‘Killer Tomato.’ This drill tested the accuracy and precision of the personnel’s gunnery skills.

Helicopter Operations

The exercise included helicopter operations, which were focused on enhancing the skills of the personnel in operating helicopters in a maritime environment.

Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS)

The exercise included a Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) operation, which is an essential aspect of maritime security. The VBSS operation tested the personnel’s ability to conduct search and seizure operations on suspect vessels.

Ship Manoeuvres

The exercise included ship manoeuvres, which tested the personnel’s ability to manoeuvre ships in various scenarios.

Personnel Exchange

The exercise also included personnel exchange between the Indian and Royal Navy. This exchange helped personnel of both navies to understand each other’s culture and working styles.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2023

Category: Defence Current Affairs