WESTERN NAVAL COMMAND
Context:
- WESTERN NAVAL COMMAND CONDUCTS JOINT MARITIME EXERCISE: PASCHIM LEHAR (XPL-2022)
About:
- A joint maritime exercise Paschim Lehar (XPL-2022) conducted by the Indian Navy off the West Coast was concluded on 25 January 2022.
- The exercise was conducted over a duration of 20 days with an objective to validate operational plans of the Western Naval Command and enhance Inter-Service synergy among the Indian Navy, IAF, Indian Army and Coast Guard.
- The exercise was conducted under the aegis of FOC-in-C, Western Naval Command.
- The intra-theatre exercise included mobilization and participation of over 40 ships and submarines of the Indian Navy.
- In addition, the IAF deployed SU 30 MKI & Jaguar maritime strike aircraft, Flight Refueling Aircraft and AWACs, alongside the Indian Navy’s maritime reconnaissance aircraft P8i, Dorniers, IL 38 SD, unmanned aerial systems and MiG 29K strike aircraft.
- Various elements of the Indian Army including Air Defense batteries were also mobilized for the exercise.
- After a long gap, many OPVs, FPVs and Air Cushion Vessels of the Coast Guard also participated in exercise Paschim Lehar.
- A variety of weapon firings in a realistic tactical scenario, besides validation of operational missions and tasks under varying settings, were undertaken during the exercise.
- The exercise provided all participating forces an opportunity to operate together under realistic conditions, in responding to contemporary maritime challenges, across the areas of the Command’s responsibility.
Source: THE HINDU.
