India’s pride and indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant experienced a momentous step. It moved towards achieving Jointness among the Army, Navy and Air Force. For the first time, India’s top military leadership saw the joint phase of TROPEX 25 together.
Lt Gen Johnson P Mathew CISC, Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani VCOAS, and VAdm K Swaminathan VCNS embarked INS Vikrant off the West coast on 30 Jan. Air Marshal SP Dharkar VCAS and Lt Gen Ajay Kumar, DG Infantry also joined them. They saw the Joint Phase of TROPEX 25. The visit aims to give an insight to the senior hierarchy on maritime operations.
In the true spirit of Jointmanship, the VCAS embarked INS Vikrant in a Mig 29K trainer. The overnight sea sortie of the senior officers is part of TROPEX and AMPHEX. These exercises feature joint operations between the Indian Navy, Indian Army, and Indian Air Force. Their visit was not just ceremonial. It was a chance to gain firsthand insights into the complexities of maritime operations. They also explored the evolving synergy between the three services.
In a defining moment of inter-service cooperation, Air Marshal SP Dharkar arrived aboard INS Vikrant. He is the Vice Chief of the Air Staff. He arrived in a MiG-29K trainer. This joint review showcased the ever-growing synergy between the Indian Air Force and the Navy. The seamless integration of air and naval assets was a testament to India’s enhanced joint operational readiness.
As the deck crews swiftly moved into action, the visiting officers were received with full military honours. The towering structure of Vikrant housed cutting-edge radar systems. It also contained missile batteries and an array of fighter jets. These features provided a fitting backdrop to the occasion.
The senior officers also spend the night at sea, experiencing firsthand the challenges and dynamics of extended maritime operations. The exercise was part of TROPEX 25 and AMPHEX. It aimed to fine-tune joint warfighting capabilities. This brought together the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in a synchronized display of power.
The visitors observed various operational drills, including simulated air strikes, anti-submarine warfare maneuvers, and amphibious landing operations. The relentless pace of activities underscored the Indian military’s commitment to combat readiness in an era of evolving security challenges.
In a closed-door briefing in the ship’s war room, commanders discussed real-time strategic scenarios. They reviewed the latest operational tactics and examined the role of inter-service cooperation in future conflicts.
