9th edition of exercise 'Indra Navy' from Dec 14-21

Indian and Russian Navy will tomorrow begin their eight-day military exercise in the Bay of Bengal aiming for greater inter-operability amongst the two.
The 9th edition of exercise 'Indra Navy', an annual bilateral maritime exercise, will be held from December 14-21.
The primary aim of exercise is to increase inter-operability amongst the two navies and develop common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations, a statement by the Navy said.
The thrust of exercises at sea this year would be on Anti Submarine Warfare, air defence drills, surface firings, visit Board Search ans Seizure (VBSS) and tactical procedures.
The exercise epitomizes the strategic relationship between the two countries. Initiated in 2003, the exercise has matured over the years with increase in scope, complexity of operations and level of participation, it said.

Indian navy will be represented by INS Ranvir a guided missile destroyer, INS Satpura an indigenous frigate and INS Kamorta an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) corvette.

In addition, a submarine, P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Dornier Short Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer and other integral rotary wing helicopters are scheduled to participate in the bilateral exercise.
The Russian Federation Navy will be represented by Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhalov, Deputy Chief of Flotilla, Pacific Fleet and ships from the Pacific Fleet, based at Vladivostok.
Russian ships Admiral Tributus (cruiser) and Boris Butoma (fleet tanker) are expected to arrive at Visakhapatnam tomorrow.

The exercise will be progressed in two phases - the Harbour Phase (December 14 to 18) at Visakhapatnam and the Sea Phase (December 19 to 21) off Visakhapatnam.