New naval exercise focuses on firing missiles undetected

The Indian Navy has begun a month-long war-game with the underlying purpose of fine-tuning its skill of firing a missile at enemy without being detected.

The massive exercise, involving Indian Navy's aircraft-carrier INS Viraat, nuclear-powered submarine INS Chakra and several destroyers, frigates and submarines, seeks to perfect the Navy's ability to launch missiles avoiding enemy nations' surveillance systems.

To deceive adversaries' electronic detection systems, a key input would be provided by India's only military satellite, GSAT-7, run by the Navy.

Thanks to the indigenous satellite, Navy's eastern and western fleets are networked, giving them an operational edge in the dense maritime environment of Indian Ocean.

“We are witnessing an ever-increasing presence of extra-regional navies and multinational forces in support of the US-led operations in the Indian Ocean region,” said Navy vice-chief Vice-Admiral Robin Dhowan in Delhi.

Being held under the watchful eye of Navy chief Admiral D K Joshi and Vice-Admiral Anil Chopra, commander-in-chief of Eastern Naval Command, the mock war drill will involve firing of missiles, torpedoes and the anti-missile system.

Delhi-class destroyers and a whole range of naval frigates, missile boats and submarines are taking part in the war game. Joint operations will be carried out with the Air Force involving its Su-30 and Jaguar aircraft and IL-78 mid-air refuellers. A special Army team on amphibious operations too will hone its skills in this war game.

The theatre-level exercise takes place in the backdrop of increasing economic and strategic importance of Indian Ocean, because of which the US too has shifted its focus from traditional views. “Oil arteries of the world flow through the Indian Ocean region, and any impediment to free-flow of energy resources could have a profound effect on regional as well as global economies,” said Dhowan.

Almost the entire naval aviation fleet, including the three latest P8I long-range surveillance aircraft, will be in action. In addition, IL-38 with Sea Dragon suite and Dorniers will maintain keep eagle's eye on vessel movement in the high seas, while Sea Harrier fighter jets will take off from the decks of INS Viraat.