New Delhi, February 6

Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba and Army Chief General Bipin Rawat today reviewed joint exercises at mid-sea. The duo witnessed a host of activities that are  part of Theatre Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX).The exercise, which started on January 24 off the western coast, involves some 50 Navy warships, including aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, and nuclear-powered submarine INS Chakra. The drill is testing and validating abilities in conventional war, anti-submarine warfare and securing sea lanes of communication. The two Chiefs witnessed the firing of surface-to-air missile and ship-launched Brahmos. They sailed aboard INS Vikramaditya and witnessed the ‘large force engagement by a flotilla of ships against threats simulated by IAF comprising airborne radars and fighter jets like Sukhoi-30 MKI.  Threats emanating from different directions were ‘neutralised’ by using Beyond Visual Range missile capabilities of MiG 29Ks fighter jets operating from INS Vikramaditya. The Landing Platform Dock INS Jalashwa is deployed to conduct amphibious operations. The Boeing P8-I, a long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft, are operating alongside IAF jets.  The IAF’s IL-78 refuelled IAF and Navy planes mid-air. — TNS