Mumbai: The eastern and the western fleets successfully completed TROPEX-2014 (Theatre-level readiness and Operational Exercise), the Indian Navy's largest of its kind exercise in the past two year, despite the INS Sindhuratna submarine tragedy, followed by Admiral DK Joshi’s resignation.
More than 60 ships and submarines and 75 aircraft — both of the Navy and the Indian Air Force — took part in the month-long exercise conducted in the Indian Ocean. India’s only nuclear submarine, INS Chakra, and aircraft carrier Viraat were also part of the drill.
The recently acquired P81 maritime reconnaissance aircraft and the Hawk fighter trainer aircraft were the highlights of the exercise courtesy their maiden appearance. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Airborne Early Warning helicopter of the Indian Navy, Air to Air Refuellers, Jaguars and SU-30 aircraft of Indian Air Force also participated in the exercise.
Admiral DK Joshi resigned as Navy Chief on Wednesday, taking moral responsibility over a series of accidents. He quit hours after a fire was reported on the Navy's INS Sindhuratna submarine.
