India launches maiden tri-service bilateral exercise, ‘Konkan Shakti -21’ with UK

This, the maritime component of the exercise, will not only help in drawing mutual benefits but also, according to the Navy, help showcase how the two countries are continually cooperating with each other

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

Konkan Shakti 2021, the first-ever tri-services joint exercise between India and the UK, was launched on October 21 in Mumbai as the Harbour phase, which will continue until October 23.

It then moves to the Sea phase to continue with warfare tactics, anti-submarine warfare exercises, over-the-horizon targeting drills, air defence exercises, cross deck landings and other complex manoeuvers, till October 27, when it concludes.

This, the maritime component of the exercise, will not only help in drawing mutual benefits but also, according to the Navy, help showcase how the two countries are continually cooperating with each other.

Started in the presence of Chief of Defence Staff of the UK Sir Nick Carter, who inspected the Guard of Honour at the South Block in New Delhi on October 21, regarding the exercise, the Navy is feeling upbeat as it is sure this will ensure a positive climate at sea, thereby promoting global economic prosperity. India and the United Kingdom navies have been undertaking bilateral exercises, exchanges and succeeded in enhancing technical cooperation, finally leading to the maiden tri-service bilateral exercise, ‘Konkan Shakti -21’.

The land phase at Chaubatia in Uttarakhand will have UK’s officers and troops from the 1st Battalion of the Fusilier Regiment and the Indian Army’s Gorkha Rifles 1/11 participating

HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier with her integral F35 fighter jets and helicopters of the Royal Navy will also have Type 45 Daring Class air-defence destroyer HMS Defender, Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond, a Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Fort Victoria, and a Royal Netherland Navy Frigate HNLMS Evertsen.

For the Indian Navy, three of its stealth guided-missile destroyers INS Kolkata, INS Kochi and INS Chennai, two stealth frigates, INS Talwar and INS Teg, and the tanker INS Aditya will participate, along with Sea King 42B, Kamov-31 and Chetak helicopters, MIG 29K fighter aircraft, Dornier and P8i (maritime patrol aircraft), and a submarine.

The Indian Air Force will have its Jaguars, Su-30 Mki, AWACS, AEW&C and flight refuel aircraft participate. The joint phase will involve F35s, MiG 29Ks and Indian Air Force elements.

The land phase at Chaubatia in Uttarakhand will have UK’s officers and troops from the 1st Battalion of the Fusilier Regiment and the Indian Army’s Gorkha Rifles 1/11 participating.

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