IT Correspondent
Mumbai, Jan 27:
Twenty days long joint maritime exercise “Paschim Lehar-XPL-2022 conducted, to validate operational plans of the Western Naval Command (WNC) and enhance Inter-Service synergy among the Indian Navy, IAF, Indian Army and Coast Guard, was concluded off the West Coast on January 25.
The exercise was conducted under the aegis of Flag Office C-in-C, WNC. The intra-theatre exercise included mobilisation and participation of over 40 ships and submarines of the Indian Navy. In addition, the IAF deployed SU 30 MKI and Jaguar maritime strike aircraft, Flight Refuelling Aircraft and AWACs, alongside the Indian Navy’s maritime reconnaissance aircraft P8i, Dorniers, IL 38 SD, unmanned aerial systems and MiG 29K strike aircraft.
Various elements of the Indian Army including Air Defence batteries were also mobilised for the exercise. After a long gap, many OPVs, FPVs and Air Cushion Vessels of the Coast Guard also participated in exercise. A variety of weapon firings in a realistic tactical scenario, besides validation of operational missions and tasks under varying settings, were undertaken during the exercise.
The exercise provided all participating forces an opportunity to operate together under realistic conditions, in responding to contemporary maritime challenges, across the areas of the Command’s responsibility.
FGS Bayern visits Mumbai
In another development, German Navy frigate, FGS Bayern, on a return voyage from deployment in the Indo-Pacific, made a goodwill port visit to Mumbai from January 21 to January 24. With a crew of about 230, the ship was on an extended operational mission.
On the ship’s arrival at Mumbai, the Commanding Officer, Commander (Senior Grade) Tilo Kalski, called on Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of Staff, Headquarters, WNC and discussed issues of mutual interest, cooperation and interoperability between the two navies. On her departure, the ship participated in a maritime partnership exercise with stealth guided missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam in the Arabian Sea.
Over the decades, cooperation between India and Germany has increased in various defence-related avenues. This visit of FGS Bayern to Mumbai was testimony to the growing interaction between the two navies and their endeavour to enhance interoperability in the maritime domain.