Today, the Indian Navy put on an impressive exhibition of multi-carrier operations and the coordinated deployment of over 35 aircraft in the Arabian Sea. This demonstration highlighted the formidable maritime prowess that the Indian Navy possesses. This demonstration of naval might underscores India’s devotion to safeguarding its national interests, maintaining regional stability, and cultivating collaborative alliances in the maritime realm.
It also marks a significant achievement for the Indian Navy’s efforts to improve maritime security and power projection in the Indian Ocean and beyond. The exercise demonstrated India’s technological supremacy in the maritime arena by involving the flawless integration of two aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and the indigenously constructed INS Vikrant, together with a diversified fleet of ships, submarines, and aircraft.
The INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant serve as “floating sovereign airfields” during the exercise. They provide a launching platform for various aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets, MH60R, Kamov, Sea King, Chetak, and ALH helicopters. These two ships are the centrepieces of the exercise. These mobile bases may be located anywhere, allowing for improved mission flexibility, fast reaction to emerging threats, and sustained air operations to secure our national interests worldwide. In addition to this, they convince Indian friends that the Indian Navy is both able and ready to assist the “collective” security requirements that are necessary for the Region.
The effective demonstration of two-carrier battle group operations illustrates the essential role that sea-based air power plays in maintaining maritime superiority. The relevance of aircraft carriers in defining the nation’s defence strategy and maintaining regional stability will remain of the utmost importance even as India continues to develop its security apparatus.
