20 Day Joint Maritime Exercise ‘Paschim Lehar’ Conducted By Indian Navy

28 January 2022

Paschim Lehar- A 20-day joint maritime exercise was conducted by the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea recently to “validate operational plans” of the Western Naval Command and improve synergy between the services of the Navy, Air Force, of the army, and the coast guard, according to an official press release.

“The in-theatre exercise included the mobilization and participation of over 40 Indian Navy ships and submarines,” he said. The exercise called XPL22 ended Tuesday, the Navy statement said.

After a long break, many OPVs (Offshore Patrol Vessels), FPVs (Fast Patrol Vessels), and Coast Guard’s Air Cushions vessels took part in the exercise. Various weapon firings were done during the exercise in realistic tactics as well as the validation of missions and operational tasks in a different scenario.

In addition, the IAF (Indian Air Force) deployed SU 30 MKI and Jaguar maritime strike aircraft, air-to-air refuelling aircraft and an airborne warning and control system, AWAC and as well as the Indian Navy’s P8i, Dorniers, IL38SD maritime reconnaissance aircraft, unmanned aerial systems and MiG29K attack aircraft in the exercise. The Indian Army’s air defense batteries were also mobilised for the exercise.

The exercise provided all participating forces with the opportunity to operate together under realistic conditions, responding to contemporary maritime challenges in Western Naval Command areas of responsibility.

The exercise was held over a span of 20 days with the aim of validating Western Naval Command’s operational plans and improving inter-service synergy between the Indian Navy, IAF, Indian Army and the coast guard, the report stated.

Courtesy: DefenceAviationPos