The 8th edition of a bilateral exercise between the Indian and Russian navies “INDRA NAVY” started from December 7 in Visakhapatnam and will continue till December 12 with an aim to strengthen the strategic relationship between the two countries.
(Exercise initiated in 2003)
- The scope of INDRA NAVY- 2015 includes wide ranging professional interactions during the Harbour phase and a diverse canvas of operational activities at sea across a spectrum of maritime operations.
Representation of Indian Navy
The Indian Navy represents the following:
- Indigenous frigate INS Sahyadri
- Missile destroyer INS Ranvijay
- Fleet support ship INS Shakti
- Submarine INS Sindhuvir
In addition to above, P8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft, Dornier short-range maritime patrol aircraft and other integral rotary wing helicopters include during the maritime exercise.
Representation of Russian Navy
The Russian Federation Navy (RFN) represents the following:
- Cruiser – RFN ships
- Destroyer – Varyag Bystry
- Rescue ocean going tug – Alatau
- Fleet tanker – Boris Butoma
Phases of Exercise
The exercise will be organised in two phases:
- Harbour Phase during December 7 to December 9 at Visakhapatnam. It would encompass table top exercises and planning conferences ashore, prior progressing to sea,
- Sea Phase during December 10 to December 12 off the coast of Visakhapatnam. It would include various facets of fleet operations.
Indra Navy-15 would be a milestone in strengthening the maritime security cooperation between the two navies and also serve to reinforce the long standing friendship between the two nations.