Indo-UK naval exercise from next week

The exercise will also feature the 8216;Merlin8217; anti-submarine warfare helicopters of the Royal Navy, besides the HMS Westminster guided missile destroyer and two support vessels. From the Indian side, frontline warships, including the Mysore and Rajput, will take part in the exercise, besides a Kilo-class diesel submarine. However, India8217;s sole aircraft carrier, INS Viraat, will not be visible at the exercise as it is out of commission for the next year. The Navy has decided to keep it in service till 2012 when the Gorshkov is scheduled to arrive. In the absence of the carrier, the Navy will operate its Sea Harriers for the joint exercise.

This year8217;s low-key exercise comes in contrast with the high profile nature of the last edition of the Konkan series in 2006, also off the Goa coast. Besides visits by the Chief of the Royal Navy, a number of senior defence officials and mediapersons were taken aboard HMS Invincible aircraft carrier during the exercise.