It also carried out anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine engagements under rigorous operational situations

The Indian Navy carried out an assessment of operational and combat readiness in the face of multiple threats by launching Western Fleet ships during an exercise from October 11 to October 13, the Ministry of Defence said on Friday.

The exercise, held off the country's western coast, included participation from around 20 Indian naval vessels, 6 submarines, and a variety of aircraft. This day and night tactical exercise included extensive weapon & integration drills and target engagements in all three dimensions, the ministry said.

The ships were launched by Western Naval Command Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh.

He observed boarding operations/VBSS, multi-ship underway replenishments, and anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine engagements under rigorous operational situations during the high-tempo operations.

The anti-submarine operations included deployment of active and passive arrays for detection of submarines by ships; ASW capable P8I aircraft and shipborne helicopters; which culminated in torpedo firing.

"The ability of the Western Fleet to monitor the entire Area of Responsibility (AoR) of the WNC through network centric capabilities was also proven effectively," the ministry said.

The exercise also demonstrated the operational capability and readiness of the largest air station of the Indian Navy- INS Hansa, to undertake 24x7 operations in support of the Fleet.

Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I, Dornier and IL-38, HALE UAV Sea-Guardian, Integral helicopters Sea King, Kamov 31, ALH and Chetak, and fighter aircraft MiG 29 K of the Indian Navy and SU 30 of the Indian Air Force contributed effectively towards surveillance and combat operations, the defence ministry noted.

Rear Admiral Singh praised the Western Fleet, INS Hansa, and the marine component of the Indian Air Force for their preparedness to carry out the concept of operations as planned by the Indian Navy and support the country's maritime security.

Rear Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, had tactical control over the ships at sea.