Newly-inducted Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant Debuts In Fleet Readiness Exercise

The newly-commissioned indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant participated in its first fleet-level exercise, in which the Indian Navy fielded 20 warships, six submarines and a variety of aircraft to review combat readiness in a multi-threat scenario. 

A MiG-29K fighter aircraft and three helicopters were on board the Vikrant for tests and positioning checks. The aviation complex of the Vikrant is still work-in-progress, and the carrier is expected to be fully operational with take-off and landing capability for fighters and other aircraft by mid-2023.

Western Naval Commander, Vice-Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh embarked warships from October 11 to 13 in the Fleet Operational Readiness Inspection. 

This day and night tactical exercise included extensive weapon & integration drills and target engagements in all three dimensions, the Indian Navy spokesperson announced. 

“During the high-tempo operations, the Commander-in-Chief also witnessed anti-air, anti-surface & anti-submarine engagements, muti-ship underway replenishments, Boarding Operations/VBSS, under rigorous operational situations. The ability of the Western Fleet to monitor the entire Area of Responsibility (AoR) of the Western Naval Command through network centric capabilities was also proven effectively,” the spokesperson stated.

“Anti-submarine operations included deployment of active and passive arrays for detection of submarines by ships; ASW (anti-submarine warfare)-capable P8I aircraft and shipborne helicopters; which culminated in torpedo firing,” the statement added.

“The exercise also demonstrated the operational capability and readiness of the largest air station of the Indian Navy - INS Hansa, to undertake 24x7 operations in support of the Fleet. Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I, Dornier and IL-38, HALE UAV Sea-Guardian, Integral helicopters Sea King, Kamov 31, ALH and Chetak, and fighter aircraft MiG-29K of the Indian Navy and SU-30 of the Indian Air Force contributed effectively towards surveillance and combat operations,” the statement elaborated. 

Missile, torpedo and gun firings by ships were against high-speed air, surface and sub-surface targets in a realistic tactical scenario to establish the Area and Point Defence capabilities of the Navy. 

In addition, submarines fired torpedoes. “The pinpoint accuracy, seamless and safe execution of these firings showcased the lethality and effectiveness of Indian Navy's arsenal and weapon systems, reflecting a high standard of combat readiness,” the Indian Navy statement asserted. 

The ships at sea were under the tactical command of Rear Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet.

Vishal Thapar

BW Reporters Group Editorial Head for BW’s Defence, Security & Police