IN and HMS Queen Elizabeth carrier group test their readiness

Last week, the Indian Navy took part in a two-day bilateral Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Royal Navy Carrier Strike Group (CSG)-21 led by HMS Queen Elizabeth in the Bay of Bengal.

The bilateral Maritime Exercise, which was held from 21 to 22 July 2021, was designed to hone the ability of the two navies to operate together in the maritime domain.

The maiden exercise between Indian Navy and the Royal Navy’s latest Aircraft Carrier, the HMS Queen Elizabeth included participation of CSG-21 comprising Type 23 Frigates and an Astute-class submarine in addition to the other surface combatants.

Indian Navy was represented by IN Ships Satpura, Ranvir, Jyoti, Kavaratti, Kulish and a submarine. Anti-Submarine Warfare capable Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft P8I also participated in the exercise.

With the presence of the CSG-21 in the Indian Ocean, the recent exercise has afforded excellent opportunity to engage over the entire spectrum of maritime operations including ASW, Anti-Air and Anti-Surface warfare.

The exercise also witnessed the maiden participation of the F 35 B Lightning which operate from the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth.

According to the Indian Navy, regular IN-RN interactions over the years have augmented their professional content, interoperability and adaptability in the ever-changing security scenarios.

The inter-operability achieved over the years has ensured a quantum jump in the complexity and scale of professional exchanges which is being further enhanced by the presence of the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group in the Indian Ocean.