Indian Navy and Royal Navy in Konkan 2008 Exercise
The third edition of the annual ‘KONKAN’ bilateral series of Indo-UK exercises, ‘KONKAN 2008’ is scheduled on the western seaboard, Goa, from 21 Apr to 2 May 08.
The Royal Navy will field the aircraft carrier HMS ILLUSTRIOUS (with six Merlin helicopters), guided missile frigate HMS WESTMINSTER, the Fleet Replenishment Tanker RFA WAVE KNIGHT, the Afloat Stores Ship RFA FORT AUSTIN and the hunter-killer submarine HMS TRAFALGAR, along with embedded units FS SURCOUF and USS COLE. The Indian Navy will be represented by guided-missile destroyers INS MYSORE and INS RAJPUT, the guided missile frigate INS GOMATI, Fleet Replenishment Tanker INS ADITYA and the submarine INS SHISHUMAR.
The exercise will be conducted under the tactical command of the Flag Officer Commander Western Fleet, Rear Admiral Anil Chopra. The British Force will be commanded by Commodore Tom Cunningham RN, Commander Carrier Strike Group, who will be embarked in the aircraft carrier HMS ILLUSTRIOUS for the exercise.
During the exercises at sea, the major thrust will be on combined maritime operations, with the Indian Navy’s Sea Harrier aircraft operating from Goa, and exercises between the submarines of the two navies. Other aspects of the exercise include intermediate and advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare, Maritime Interdiction Operations, VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure) procedures, Naval Gunfire Support, Clearance Diving and tactical manoeuvres. Units of the Royal Navy Task Force will also visit Goa later this month (April 2008). During the harbour phase, in addition to lectures on professional and contemporary maritime issues, the two sides will also engage in sports and cultural activities.
KONKAN 2008 is a significant indicator of the continuing co-operation between India and the United Kingdom. The KONKAN series of combined exercises between the Indian Navy and Royal Navy commenced in 2004 and has grown in both scope and complexity over the years. These exercises have been mutually beneficial to both navies in several facets of naval operational activities.
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