9th edition of Indo-Russia Naval exercise to begin from Dec.14

The ninth edition of 'Indra- Navy exercise, an annual bilateral maritime conducted between the Indian Navy and the Russian Navy will be conducted in the Bay of Bengal from December 14 to 21.

The primary aim of exercise Indra Navy-2016 is to increase inter-operability amongst the two navies and develop common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations.

The scope of the exercise includes wide-ranging professional interactions in harbor phase and a diverse canvas of operational activities across a spectrum of maritime operations at sea.

During exercise, the Indian Navy will be represented by INS Ranvir, a guided missile destroyer, INS Satpura, an indigenous frigate, and INS Kamorta, an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) corvette.

Additionally, an IN submarine, P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Dornier Short Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer and other integral rotary wing helicopters are scheduled to participate in the bilateral exercise.

The Russian Federation Navy (RuFN) will be represented by Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhalov, Deputy Chief of Flotilla, Pacific Fleet and ships from the Pacific Fleet, based at Vladivostok.

RuFN ships Admiral Tributus (cruiser) and Boris Butoma (fleet tanker) are expected to arrive at Visakhapatnam on December 14 to participate in the exercise.

The exercise will be progressed in two phases.

The Harbour Phase scheduled between December 14 to 18 at Visakhapatnam and the Sea Phase off Visakhapatnam from 19 to 21.

The Harbour Phase would encompass table-top exercises, planning conferences, and professional interactions prior progressing to sea.

The thrust of exercises at sea this year would be on ASW, Air Defence Drills, Surface Firings, visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) and Tactical procedures.

The Indra- Navy exercise would help to further strengthen mutual confidence and inter-operability, and also enable sharing of best practices between both navies.

The exercise will be another milestone in strengthening maritime security cooperation between the two navies and will also serve to reinforce the long standing bond of friendship between the two countries.

Initiated in 2003, the exercise has matured over the years with increase in scope, complexity of operations and level of participation.