SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Navy successfully concluded a recent exercise in the Arabian Sea, flexing its underwater muscle with a powerful display of eight submarines operating together. This unprecedented demonstration highlighted the high operational readiness of the Indian Navy’s submarine fleet.
The exercise saw a unique convergence of submarine classes from various countries. Pictures, although not officially released, captured a glimpse of this “wolf pack,” featuring the Russian-supplied Kilo-class (Sindhughosh class), the French Scorpène class, and the German-supplied Shishumar class (Type 209) submarines. This diverse mix of underwater platforms signifies India’s strategic partnerships and its ability to seamlessly integrate these technologies.
Adding weight to the exercise was the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command (FOCINC WNC). He embarked on one of the submarines at sea, witnessing firsthand the conduct of the exercise. Following the event, he commended the crew for their professionalism and exceptional performance.
As a special token of his appreciation, Vice Admiral Singh reportedly participated in a submariners’ tradition – “bottoming the submarine” and tasting the seawater. This time-honored ritual signifies a submariner’s successful completion of their first dive on a new submarine.
The successful execution of this complex exercise underscores India’s growing prowess in undersea warfare. It demonstrates the Navy’s capability to seamlessly coordinate and deploy a diverse fleet of submarines, bolstering its maritime security posture in the Indian Ocean region.