TROPEX 2017: Indian Navy displays might; fires Brahmos missile from INS Chennai

NEW DELHI: In a show of strength, Indian Navy today fired Brahmos Surface to Surface missile (SSM) from INS Chennai, during the ongoing Annual Theatre level Readiness and Operational Exercise ( TROPEX) 2017 which is presently underway since January 24 this year.

TROPEX witnessed a host of exercises including Gunnery shoots, Surface to Air missile engagements, Brahmos firing and operations of the combined Fleet in a complex multi threat environment including sub surface and air threats.

"The high-point of the exercise was Large Force Engagement (LFE) by the Fleet units against threat simulated by air element from Indian Air Force comprising AWACS, SU 30s, Jaguars and IL 78 (AAR). These threats emanated from different directions and were neutralised by using Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile capabilities of MiG 29Ks, the integral air arm of the Indian Navy, operating from INS Vikramaditya in coordination with other Fleet units," said the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in a statement.



See video of Brahmos supersonic missile fired from INS Chennai during the exercise.

#TROPEX2017 Brahmos Supersonic missile fired from INS Chennai during the exercise @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/MxMfT8JuhZ

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) February 8, 2017

Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba reviewd the exercise and was accompanied by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat.

"TROPEX 17 assumes special significance in the backdrop of the current security scenario, being aimed at testing combat readiness of the combined fleets of the Indian Navy, and the assets of the Indian Air Force, Indian Army and the Indian Coast Guard. It will also strengthen inter-operability and joint operations in a complex environment," explained the statement.



As a part of the exercise, niche capabilities of the Marine Commandoes (MARCOs) and Army Special Forces, including Airborne Assault and Combat Free Fall were undertaken from an IAF C-130 aircraft.

TROPEX 2017 is a month long war drill and is witnessing participation of over 60 ships, five submarines and more than 70 naval aircrafts. It also includes participation of IAF's Su-30 and Jaguar fighters, AWACS, C 130J Hercules and in-flight refuelling aircraft, Infantry amphibious elements from Indian Army and ships and aircrafts from the Indian Coast Guard.