Indonesian, Indian warships start biannual coordinated patrol

India and Indonesia kicked off their 29th biannual coordinated patrol (CORPAT), with ceremonies starting at Port Blair, India, on May 9.

Indonesian Navy ship KRI Sutedi Senoputra arrived at Haddo Wharf, Port Blair, along with an Indonesian maritime patrol aircraft which flew in with the Indonesian Naval delegation led by First Admiral Bambang Irwanto.

CORPAT is scheduled to take place from May 9 to 25. Apart from securing the trade sea route, the coordinated patrol also serves to enhance mutual understanding and inter–operability between the two navies.

The closing ceremony of the CORPAT is scheduled at Belawan, Indonesia from May 22 to 25.

Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) and the Indian Navy have been carrying out coordinated patrolling twice a year since 2002 near the international maritime boundary line to keep this part of the Indian Ocean region safe and secure for commercial shipping and international trade.