Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise 2025

February 4, 2025

TROPEX-25, or Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise 2025, is military exercise conducted by the Indian Navy. Launched in January 2025, it showcases India’s commitment to joint operational capabilities. The exercise involves the Indian Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard, denoting inter-service collaboration in the Indian Ocean Region. Senior military leaders participated from INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, to witness live operational demonstrations.

About TROPEX

TROPEX is the Indian Navy’s largest biennial maritime exercise.
It aims to enhance inter-service coordination and demonstrate combat readiness.
The exercise includes complex drills, live weapon firings, and operational demonstrations.
By engaging multiple services, it prepares the military for real-world scenarios.

Key Objectives of TROPEX-25

The exercise aims to illustrate India’s evolving military doctrine. Three major objectives stand out

Integrated Fleet Operations: The convergence of Eastern and Western Fleets signifies a shift towards a unified maritime force. This is crucial as modern conflicts often extend beyond single theatres.
Carrier-Based Air Power: INS Vikrant’s involvement marks a new era for carrier operations. The carrier is now an integral component of fleet combat, enhancing India’s maritime strike capabilities.
Indo-Pacific Strategy: TROPEX-25 serves as a counterbalance to China’s expanding naval presence in the region. It demonstrates India’s ability to project power and maintain security in the Indo-Pacific.

Jointness in Military Operations

The presence of the Vice Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force on INS Vikrant marks a strategic shift. It reflects a commitment to joint warfare and operational synergy. The exercise enables forces to operate not just in coordination but as a unified entity. This is change from traditional operations conducted in silos.

Convergence of Naval Fleets

TROPEX-25 emphasises the integration of India’s Eastern and Western Fleets. The Western Fleet focuses on the Arabian Sea while the Eastern Fleet operates in the Bay of Bengal. Their combined efforts during the exercise signify a powerful deterrence to adversaries and demonstrate India’s capability to mobilise its full naval strength.

Strategic Implications

For India’s allies in the Quad—comprising the United States, Japan, and Australia—TROPEX-25 reinforces New Delhi’s commitment to regional security. The exercise enhances India’s ability to participate in coalition-led maritime defence efforts. It encourages stronger strategic coordination and sends a clear message to potential adversaries regarding India’s military capabilities.

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