The Indian Navy conducted a 20-day joint maritime exercise Paschim Lehar at the Arabian Sea to "validate operational plans" of the Western Naval Command and enhance inter-service synergy among the Navy, Air Force, Army and Coast Guard.
Context
The Indian Navy conducted a 20-day joint maritime exercise Paschim Lehar at the Arabian Sea to "validate operational plans" of the Western Naval Command and enhance inter-service synergy among the Navy, Air Force, Army and Coast Guard.
Key-highlights
- Name: Paschim Lehar
- Type: Joint maritime exercise
- Participants: Navy, Air Force, Army and Coast Guard
- Place: western coast in the Arabian Sea.
- Deployment: Over 40 ships and submarines, IAF's SU 30 MKI and Jaguar maritime strike aircraft deployed along with flight refuelling aircraft and airborne warning and controlling systems.
- Indian Navy’s maritime reconnaissance aircraft P8i, Dorniers, IL 38 SD, unmanned aerial systems and MiG 29K strike aircraft were also part of the aerial assets deployed.
- Various elements of the Indian Army, including air defence batteries were also mobilised for the exercise.
A new theatre command model
- The Indian military is looking at a new theatre command model for an integrated approach to warfare.
- Four commands have been planned as of now — two for land and one each for air and maritime operations.
- As per the plan, the land commands can include the western theatre that will take care of Pakistan and will be based in Jaipur.
- The eastern theatre will be focusing on China and can be based in Kolkata or Lucknow.
- The air defence command can be in Jodhpur, Gandhinagar or Allahabad, while the maritime command can be in Karwar.
