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 China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean region.

The Navy’s 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 MiG-29K and helicopters such as MH60R, Kamov and Advanced Light helicopters, officials said on Saturday. The twin carrier battle group operations were held recently.