The Indian Navy recently conducted a massive operation in the Arabian Sea that featured two aircraft carriers, numerous warships, submarines, and more than 35 frontline planes in one of the greatest displays of its military capabilities in recent years amid China's expanding presence in the Indian Ocean region.
The Navy’s aircraft carriers — INS Vikramaditya and newly inducted INS Vikrant — were the centrepieces of the exercise as they served as floating airfields for a wide array of aircraft, including MiG-29K and helicopters such as MH60R, Kamov and Advanced Light helicopters, officials said on Saturday. The twin carrier CBG (carrier battle group) operations were held recently, they said without divulging the specific date of the exercise.
The Indian Navy said the “seamless operational” integration of the two aircraft carriers as well as the fleet ships and submarines is a powerful testament to the “pivotal role” of sea-based air power and India’s role as the preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean and beyond.
An aircraft carrier is part of a massive naval fleet, along with numerous destroyers, frigates, and other ships, known as a carrier battle group or carrier strike group.
“The Indian Navy has undertaken the twin-carrier CBG operations with more than 35 aircraft in Arabian Sea, demonstrating its formidable capability in ensuring sustained air operations across the vast maritime expanse and underscoring our commitment to safeguarding India’s national interests,” Indian Navy Spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said.
After INS Vikrant, an indigenously built aircraft carrier, was introduced in September, this is the first major exercise involving the two carriers.