India, US 2-day mega naval war game |
The world`s two largest democracies and strategic partners, India and the USA, on 23rd June kicked off a two-day multi-domain war game in the Indian Ocean. This strategic bilateral military exercise involving an array of air defence platforms is aimed at further consolidating synergising operatios in the face of China`s increasing military presence in the region. The US has deployed its naval carrier strike group led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan as well as a fleet of F-18 fighter jets and E-2C Hawkeye all-weather aircraft for the exercise.The Indian assets at the exercise included Jaguar and Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets, IL-78 air-to-air refuelling tanker aircraft, AWACS aircraft and warships - Kochi and Teg. The Navy has also deployed a fleet of P8I maritime surveillance aircraft and MiG 29K jets, apart from other platforms. A Navy spokesperson said the two-day exercise aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship and cooperation by demonstrating the ability to integrate and coordinate comprehensively in maritime operations.The high-tempo exercise will include advanced air-defence drills, cross-deck helicopter operations and anti-submarine manoeuvres to hone the war-fighting skills and enhance interoperability between the two sides. The exercise is being carried out south of Thiruvananthapuram, on the western seaboard. After the US designated India as a “Major Defence Partner” in June 2016, the Indo-US defence ties have been on an upswing in the last few years. The two countries have also inked key defence and security pacts over the last few years, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement in 2016 that allows their militaries to use each other`s bases for repair and replenishment of supplies as well as provides for deeper cooperation.
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