India’s Special Forces Carry Out A ‘Bull Strike’ In Andaman & Nicobar Islands

November 6, 2020

Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) conducted a joint services exercise code named ‘Bull Strike’, involving the three Services components of Andaman and Nicobar Command. The major training activities comprised combat free fall and para drop from strategic lift aircraft C-130 by a company of Para Commandos from the mainland, action by MARCOS of Indian Navy and Special Heli Borne Operations (SHBO) by Indian Army Ghatak Platoons.

Amilitary exercise involving special forces was carried out in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands between November 3 and 5 as the Army, Navy and Air Force got together for the war games amid the India-China standoff to test synergy in joint operations.

Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) conducted a joint services exercise code-named ‘Bull Strike’, involving the three Services components of Andaman and Nicobar Command.

Elements of Indian Army’s Parachute Brigade, marine commandos or MARCOS and Special Forces carried on the exercise at the remotely located Teressa Island, in the strategically important Nicobar Group of Islands.

“The exercise was carried out to validate and rehearse operational plans and contingencies in a realistic tactical setting under the overall command and control of Andaman and Nicobar Command, the only joint services operational command of the defence forces of India,” a statement from the Army said.

The major training activities comprised combat free fall and para drop from strategic lift aircraft C-130 by a company of Para Commandos from the mainland, action by MARCOS of Indian Navy and Special Heli Borne Operations (SHBO) by Indian Army Ghatak Platoons.

As part of the exercise, troops of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force of Andaman and Nicobar Command were mobilized for amphibious landing, in close coordination with the para drop of Special Forces. Ground-based manoeuvres, tactics and procedures for joint operations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were rehearsed.

The exercise focussed on enhancing interoperability and synergy among the three Services, to maximise combat potential. In addition, Search and Rescue (SAR) and Medical Evacuation procedures were practiced by participating troops. Lieutenant General Manoj Pande, Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command witnessed the exercise on the final day and addressed troops, complimenting them for achieving high standards of training and exhorting them to maintain the highest state of operational readiness at all times.

Earlier the Indian Navy has also carried out exercises in the Bay of Bengal independents and with navies of US and Australia. Currently, the navies of India, Japan, US and Australia are carrying out war games as part of the Malabar Exercise in the Bay of Bengal. The second phase of the exercise will be carried out in the Arabian Sea in mid-November.

Courtesy: Opera News/IndiaToday