Indian Navy engages with HMS Queen Elizabeth off Bay in Bengal
Led by HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy CSG-21 which had maiden exercise with the Indian Navy also witnessed the participation of Type 23 Frigates and an Astute-class submarine in addition to the other surface combatants.
FollowThe Indian Navy and the Royal Navy Carrier Strike Group-21 conducted a two-day bilateral Passage Exercise in the Bay of Bengal, which concluded on Thursday.
Led by HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy CSG-21 which had maiden exercise with the Indian Navy also witnessed the participation of Type 23 Frigates and an Astute-class submarine in addition to the other surface combatants.
The Indian Navy was represented by its warships Satpura, Ranvir, Jyoti, Kavaratti, Kulish and a submarine.
"Anti-submarine warfare-capable Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft P8I also participated in the exercise," Indian Navy Spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said.
The exercise also witnessed the maiden participation of the F-35B Lightning which operate from the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth.
This exercise was designed to hone the ability of the two navies to operate together in the maritime domain.
The combined forces equate to 10 ships, two submarines, approximately 20 aircraft and almost 4,000 personnel.
Next month, the two navies will also exercise off the coast of the UK.
Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Sir Ben Key said: "The UK and India are key defence partners and the Carrier Strike Group’s deployment is a symbol of Global Britain in action, showcasing our commitment to India, the Indo-Pacific region, and confronting threats to international order."
Commodore Steve Moorhouse, Commander United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group said, "At the strategic level, the exercise is a muscular expression of the closer defence partnership that Prime Ministers Johnson and Modi envisaged when they agreed the UK-India Roadmap 2030 earlier this year."
