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VASCO
The opening ceremony for the Naval leg of Indo-Russian tri-service exercise INDRA–2019 was held at Mormugao Harbour on Wednesday.
Rear Admiral Philipose G Pynumootil, Flag Officer Commanding Goa Naval Area delivered the opening address, where he emphasised the importance of INDRA evolving into a tri-service exercise and the long-standing cooperation with Russia in defence technology, training and equipment.
Rear Admiral Vladimir Vorobev, Chief of Staff, Baltic Fleet, represented the Russian Federation Navy and also addressed the gathering.
The Russian Federation Navy (RuFN) ships Yaroslav Mudriy, Viktor Konetsky and Yel’nya arrived at Goa on Tuesday to participate in INDRA-2019, the second edition of the tri-services exercise between the Indian and Russian Armed Forces.
The Naval component of the exercise would be conducted off Goa from December 10 to December 19.
The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and develop an understanding to effectively tackle common security challenges.
INDRA initially began as a bilateral naval exercise between the Indian and Russian Federation navies in 2003. The exercise has now assumed a tri-service scope with corresponding maturity and a gradual increase in complexity and level of participation.
This year, the naval component of the exercise would be held in two phases. The harbour phase would be held at Goa from 10 to15 December and encompass planning conferences, professional interactions, cultural visits, sports fixtures and formal calls between Flag Officers and Senior Officers of the participating navies.
The Sea Phase of the exercise would be conducted in the Arabian Sea from 16 to 19 December. The focus for the exercise at sea would be Underway Replenishment, Air Defence Drills, Surface Firings, Visits Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations and other tactical procedures. Indian Navy would be represented by INS Aditya, a Fleet Support Ship and INS Tarkash, a frontline Guided Missile Frigate.
Besides, Dornier and P8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft, MIG 29 K Fighter Aircraft and other integral rotary wing helicopters would also participate in the exercise. The Indian Army will be fielding a Ghatak Platoon in the validation exercise on December 18, whereas an assortment of SU 30 MKI, Jaguar, Mi 17 helicopters and an Airborne Warning & Control System (AWACS) aircraft will be participating from the Indian Air Force.
Tri-services Ex INDRA 2019 would help further strengthen mutual confidence and interoperability and also enable sharing of best practices between the Armed Forces of both countries.
