IAF Phase of Exercise Indra 2019 began in Pune:
Exercise INDRA-2019 is the second edition of Joint Tri-Services Exercise between the Indian Armed Forces and the Russian Armed Forces. It is being conducted from 10-20 December 2019 simultaneously at Pune and Gwalior for Air Force elements.
Aim:
The aim of exercise INDRA 2019 is to enhance interoperability between India and Russia. It aims to develop an understanding among the countries in order to effectively tackle common security challenges. The exercise will strengthen mutual confidence, interoperability and enable sharing of best practices between the Armed Forces of both countries.
Highlights:
♦ Indian Air Force (IAF) is undertaking service-specific and joint missions during the exercise.
♦ The Russian Federation Air Force (RFAF) element is also participating in the exercise along with IAF counterparts.
♦ The main objective of the exercise is to organize a Joint Task Force to undertake planning and execution of air operations to eliminate terrorists at the request of the third country under the UN mandate. Combined missions between IAF and RFAF will undertake to enrich experience and maximize training value in terms of interoperability.
♦ IAF has fielded Su-30MKI, MI-17 helicopters, Jaguar, Airborne Warning & Control System aircraft and Garuds of IAF are participating in the exercise.
♦ The exercise showcased the long-standing bond between India and Russia.
Exercise INDRA:
Exercise INDRA series began in the year 2003. The first Joint Tri-Services of the INDRA exercise was conducted in 2017. The aim of the exercise is to boost interoperability and cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Russian Navy. The first-ever Joint Tri-Services Exercise was held in the Eastern Military District of Russia in October 2017.
Indian Navy conducted Exercise Apharan at Kochi:
The Indian Navy conducted Exercise Apharan, a large scale Anti Hijacking Exercise off the Port of Kochi on 18 December 2019. The exercise involved all stakeholders. This is the first time such a large scale exercise was held in Kerala. The Exercise was conducted under the aegis of the Commander-in-Chief, Coastal Defence, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, Kerala.
Aim:
The exercise Apharan aimed to streamline the response mechanism. It focused on the preparedness of the navy to thwart any attempt by to hijack a merchant vessel or attempt forced entry of a rogue or commandeered merchant vessel into Kochi harbour.
Organized by:
The exercise was organized by the Indian Navy in collaboration with the Indian Coast Guard, Cochin Port Trust, and other concerned stakeholders.
Exercise Apharan:
♦ Exercise Apharan included interdiction of a rogue vessel outside Kochi port and insertion of Marine Commandos (MarCos) onto the rogue or hijacked vessel through boarding operations and slithering down onto its deck from a Sea King helicopter.
♦ Within the ambit of Coastal Security architecture, the hijacking of a merchant vessel is one of the challenging scenarios, response to which requires the synergy of resources, assets, and efforts of all stakeholders including the State Government.
♦ The Exercise provided an opportunity for all stakeholders to assess the preparedness of their respective organizations
♦ It also formulates an integrated crisis management plan for Kochi Port.
Participants:
The Exercise Apharan witness the participation of multiple agencies, including more than 12 ships and helicopters of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and Cochin Port Trust.