India Navy conducts mega operation involving two aircraft carriers

In one of the biggest demonstrations of its combat prowess in recent years the Indian Navy has carried out a mega operation in the Arabian sea that involved two aircraft carriers multiple warships submarines and over 35 frontline planes amid Chinas increasing presence in the Indian Ocean regionThe Navys aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and newly inducted INS Vikrant were the centrepieces of the exercise as they served as floating airfields for a wide array of aircraft including MiG29K and helicopters such as MH60R Kamov and Advanced Light helicopters officials said on SaturdayThe twin carrier CBG carrier battle group operations were held recently they said without divulging the specific date of the exerciseThe Indian Navy said the seamless operational integration of the two aircraft carriers as well as the fleet ships and submarines is a powerful testament to the pivotal role of seabased air power and Indias role as the preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean and beyondA carrier battle group or carrier strike group is a mega naval fleet comprising an aircraft carrier accompanied by a large number of destroyers frigates and other shipsThe Indian Navy has undertaken the twincarrier CBG operations with more than 35 aircraft in Arabian Sea demonstrating its formidable capability in ensuring sustained air operations across the vast maritime expanse and underscoring our commitment to safeguarding Indias national interests Indian Navy Spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal saidHe said the exercise marked a significant milestone in the Indian Navys pursuit of enhancing maritime security and powerprojection in the Indian Ocean and beyondHe said the exercise involved a seamless integration of two aircraft carriers along with a diverse fleet of ships submarines and aircraft showcasing Indias technological expertise in the maritime domainThis demonstration of naval prowess underscores Indias commitment to safeguarding its national interests maintaining regional stability and fostering cooperative partnerships in the maritime domain Commander Madhwal saidIt is the first mega exercise involving the two aircraft carriers after induction of the indigenouslybuilt INS Vikrant in September The officials said almost all air assets of the Navy operated from the two aircraft carriers and they operated as mobile basesThe exercise demonstrated that INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya can be positioned anywhere allowing for increased mission flexibility timely response to emerging threats and sustained air operations to safeguard national interests across the globe they saidIn addition they provide our friends with an assurance that the Indian Navy is capable and ready to support our collective security needs in the region said Commander MadhwalThe successful demonstration of twocarrier battle group operations serves as a powerful testament to the pivotal role of seabased air power in maintaining maritime superiority he saidAs India continues to strengthen its security apparatus the significance of aircraft carriers will remain paramount in shaping the nations defence strategy and promoting regional stability he saidLast month the MiG29K fighter aircraft undertook night landing on the INS Vikrant The Navy then had said the aircraft carrier would be able to play a role in ensuring peace and stability in the IndoPacific regionIn September last year Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned the aircraft carrier that made the country part of an elite group of nations capable of manufacturing aircraft carriers in the above 40000 tonnes categoryBuilt at a cost of around Rs 23000 crore INS Vikrant has a sophisticated air defence network and antiship missile systems It has the capacity to hold 30 fighter jets and helicoptersAt the commissioning ceremony of the vessel Modi called it a floating city and that it is a reflection of India becoming selfreliant in defenceThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever