In Pics: TROPEX 2017 - combat effectiveness of Indian Navy

TROPEX 2017 witnessed participation of over 60 ships, 05 submarines and more than 70 naval aircraft.

As part of TROPEX 2017 Admiral Sunil Lanba Chief of the Naval Staff witnessed a host of exercises namely, Gunnery shoots, Surface to Air missile engagements, Brahmos firing and operations of the combined Fleet in a complex multi threat environment including sub-surface and air threats.

The high-point of the exercise was Large Force Engagement by the Fleet units against threat simulated by air element from Indian Air Force comprising AWACS, SU 30s, Jaguars and IL 78.

These threats emanated from different directions and were neutralised by using Beyond Visual Range missile capabilities of MiG 29Ks, the integral air arm of the Indian Navy, operating from INS Vikramaditya in coordination with other Fleet units. All these exercises validated the combat effectiveness of Indian Navy platforms.

Here are some breathtaking images from TROPEX 2017:

Ready to blow the target to pieces

IL38 SD successfully fires KH 35 anti shipping missile - a maiden firing at that.

Panther on the prowl somewhere in the Indian Ocean

The area of operations for TROPEX 2017 exercise spans across the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea and North Central Indian Ocean.

Safety first

Keeping a sharp lookout - an alert seaman on watch

Magnificent take off

MiG29K taking off from INS Vikramaditya

Flawless landing

MiG29K landing on board INS Vikramaditya

Special Forces in action

As a part of the exercise, niche capabilities of the Marine Commandoes (MARCOs) and Army Special Forces, including Airborne Assault and Combat Free Fall were undertaken from IAF C-130 aircraft.

More action

TROPEX 2017 serves an opportunity to validate the Indian Navy's Concepts of Operation.

A discussion onboard INS Vikramaditya

Admiral Sunil Lanba Chief of the Naval Staff embarked ships of the Indian Fleet (both Western & Eastern) over the last two days to review the Annual Theatre level Readiness and Operational Exercise (TROPEX) 2017. He was accompanied by General Bipin Rawat Chief of the Army Staff and Vice Admiral Girish Luthra Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command.