India’s naval forces are preparing for an upcoming naval warfare drill, Theatre Level Readiness and Operational Exercise (TROPEX), which is held every other year, and lasts for one month, The Project reported. It is intended to keep the forces combat-ready in all subsurface to maritime warfare scenarios. The drill is conducted with individual command exercises in the intervening period of time, allowing the transition of all phases of exercise in operating fleets.
The exercise includes the Indian Navy, as well as forces from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard. The exercise involves two-phases: Defense of Gujarat (DGX) by the Western Command, and the Eastern Naval Command Operational Readiness Exercise (ENCORE) held in the intervening period.
The Indian Navy began conducting TROPEX in 2005 to review and assess military preparedness, check the ability to interoperate with other fleets, and analyze the mobilization and warfare experience of the forces.
The last TROPEX was held in late January 2019, and included approximately 60 navy ships, 12 Indian Coast Guard ships, and 60 maritime aircraft and other elements.
The upcoming exercise will go on for one month, and will end with a debriefing session to access operational capabilities and discuss the improvement and other future prospects regarding the combat readiness of the force. Indian Navy plays a crucial role in balancing the dynamics in the Indian Ocean region. The Navy regularly conducts joint multinational exercises with the United States, Japan, France, and other allied nations.
Currently, tensions remain between India and China at the Line of Actual Control. Both countries have been gearing up fully with fast deployments and infrastructure development in the bordering areas. Various meetings took place between officials from both nations in an effort to minimize tensions, but the situation still remains critical.
