Indian Navy holds naval combat exercise in Indian Ocean region

ISTANBUL

The Indian Navy’s biennial combat exercise is underway in the Indian Ocean region, according to an official statement.

Named Theatre Level Operational Exercise 25 (TROPEX 25), the exercise "aimed at validating Indian Navy's core warfighting skills, and ensuring a synchronised, integrated response to preserve and protect national maritime security interests in a contested maritime environment against conventional, asymmetric as well as hybrid threats," the Indian Defense Ministry said in a statement Friday.

“Having grown in scope and complexity over the years, TROPEX 25 is a step forward in coordinated planning, precise targeting, combat effectiveness and credible joint operations in a dynamic environment, towards safeguarding India's national maritime interests, Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow,” it added.

The Indian Army, Coast Guard, and Air Force will also participate in the exercise, which will be conducted over three months, from January to Mar. 25, in multiple phases.

The exercise will involve approximately 65 Indian naval ships, nine submarines, and over 80 aircraft of various types.

During several phases, such as at the harbor and sea, different aspects of military operations will be integrated.