India And The UK Hold A Joint Maritime Exercise Called “Konkan”

The Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of the UK held their annual maritime exercise off the coast of Konkan in the Arabian Sea from March 20-22, an official statement said on Thursday. INS Trishul, a guided missile frigate, and HMS Lancaster, a Type 23 guided missile frigate, participated in ‘Konkan 2023′ and undertook multiple maritime drills to enhance interoperability and imbibe best practises, the Indian Navy said in the statement.

The exercises included gunnery shoots on the surface inflatable target “Killer Tomato,” helicopter operations, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare drills, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), ship manoeuvres, and an exchange of personnel

“Both navies’ crews got a lot out of the exercise in terms of training. A high level of professionalism and enthusiasm was also evident during its conduct,” the Indian Navy said.

“The focus that personnel showed on op-readiness, improving interoperability, and improving the ability to conduct joint operations will go a long way towards supporting the combined efforts of the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy to strengthen maritime security and keep a rules-based order in the region,” the report said.