TEAM HERALD
VASCO: KONKAN-13, an annual bilateral exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy (UK) is in progress in the State and off the coast.
‘KONKAN-13 is the ninth edition in Konkan series and is being conducted from October 14 to 19 off the West Coast of India. The exercise will have a harbour phase at Goa, followed by an exercise at sea.
The harbour phase would involve professional discussions, interactions and social functions. The sea phase would involve exercises in the various surface and air dimensions of maritime operations,” stated a press note issued by Navy PRO Cdr PK Prabhala.
“The Indian Navy undertakes this annual bilateral exercise with the Royal Navy.
The KONKAN series of bilateral exercise commenced in 2004 and eight such exercises have been conducted till date. These exercises provide an opportunity to both the navies to work together at sea and in harbour to build interoperability and to share best practices among the crew. It is a vital element towards consolidated partnership and cooperation between the two navies.”
“The Indian Navy will be represented by INS Delhi, an indigenously built destroyer with integral Chetak helicopter and shore-based aircraft. The Royal Navy would be represented by HMS Westminster, a Type 23 Frigate. INS Delhi is commanded by Capt Sandeep Metha and HMS Westminster is commanded by Capt Hugh Beard.
The thrust of the exercise, this year would be on asymmetric operations, anti-air warfare and Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercises,” the press note added.
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