India, UK hold maiden tri-service, bilateral exercise Konkan Shakti

New Delhi, Oct 28:  India and UK held the maiden tri-services bilateral exercise Konkan Shakti in the Arabian Sea, where a series of complex multi-service combat drills in all domains of maritime operations – air, surface and sub-surface were performed.
Konkan Shakti 21 culminated in the Arabian Sea on October 27, an official statement said on Thursday.
“Smooth execution of the first edition of the exercise is testimony to the professional abilities, mutual understanding and shared commitment of the two nations and their personnel in uniform,” an official statement said.
Spanning over four days, the exercise saw the two defence forces work in cohesion through a series of complex multi-service combat drills in all domains of maritime operations – air, surface and sub-surface.
Drills undertaken during the exercise involved replenishment at sea practice, strike operations by fighter aircraft, cross control of helicopters, simulated induction of army troops, gun shoots on expendable air targets.
Advanced air and sub-surface exercises and composite helicopter formation fly-past were also held.
A large force engagement involving fighter aircraft of the UK (F35B), Indian Navy (MiG 29K) and Indian Air Force (SU-30 and Jaguar) was also held, which reflected high synergy, professionalism and readiness of both nations to conduct joint maritime operations, when required.
“The exercise provided both forces the opportunity to share best practices and experiences with each other in a collaborative spirit that is particularly important in the complex and unpredictable global security environment.
The culmination of the exercise was marked by the traditional steam past between ships of the two navies,” the statement added. UNI