INDIAN NAVY’S carrier strike group led by INS Vikrant and the UK Carrier Strike Group led by HMS Prince of Wales, who are for the first time jointly conducting Exercise Konkan-25 off the Western coast of India, engaged in Tactical Air Warfare and Beyond Visual Range air combat drills. They also undertook anti-submarine warfare operations involving surface and subsurface assets, the Indian Navy said. Exercise Konkan, named after the strategically crucial region on the Western coast of India, is undertaken every two years to enhance joint maritime and air capabilities between the Indian and UK navies on the high seas. While the exercise has been biennial since 2004, it marks the first time in history that a British and Indian Carrier Strike Group are participating in the maritime exercise together. Notably, it also coincides with the two-day visit of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The Indian Navy said in an X post on Thursday, “Day two of the exercise saw the participating forces engage in Tactical Air Warfare, Beyond Visual Range air combat and Air Defence exercises involving carrier based fighter aircraft, AEW (Airborne Early Warning) helicopters and shore-based Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft, re-emphasising the reach, flexibility and air defence provided by deck based air assets — anywhere, anytime. Surface gunnery shoots, underway replenishment runs and coordinated anti-submarine exercises tested professional capabilities of both forces.” Tactical air warfare in the context of Navy denote the operations where carrier-borne, ship-launched assets contest the control of airspace, suppress or destroy enemy air threats, protect friendly ships and forces, and engage with surface targets. Beyond Visual Range combat denote engagements where weapons are launched and guided against targets at ranges where the shooter entity cannot see the target visually and the engagements rely on sensors and datalinks. Both participating entities also rehearsed fleet air defence operations in which focus on detecting and intercepting simulated enemy aircraft or missiles before they threaten or engage with their own or friendly ships. The exercise is being conducted in two phases. The sea phase included maritime operational drills focusing on anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine exercises, flying operations and other seamanship evolutions. Both participating nations have deployed frontline assets, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, submarines, and integral and shore based air assets. The harbour phase of the exercise includes professional interactions between naval personnel, cross deck visits, sports fixtures, and cultural engagements. Additionally, Joint Working Group meetings and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges are also scheduled. The UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG) led by HMS Prince of Wales is currently on an eight-month multinational deployment known as Operation Highmast. The UK CSG is formed around HMS Prince of Wales - the 65,000 tonnes Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carrier. She is supported by a Destroyer HMS Dauntless, a Frigate HMS Richmond, and Royal Fleet Auxiliary Support Ships and ships of allies and partners. The Indian side is represented by the carrier battle group of the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant in company with other surface, sub-surface and air combatants. The CSG operates F-35B Lightning aircraft, and Merlin and Wildcat helicopters. While INS Vikrant operated MIG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, in addition to indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) (Navy).
