Indian Navy’s Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (Tropex 2017)

Ministry of Defence
06-February, 2017 15:43 IST
Admiral Sunil Lanba CNS reviews Indian Navy’s Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (Tropex 2017)

Admiral Sunil Lanba PVSM AVSM ADC Chief of the Naval Staff embarked ships of the Indian Fleet (both Western & Eastern) over the last two days to review the ongoing Annual Theatre level Readiness and Operational Exercise (TROPEX) 2017 which is presently underway since 24 Jan 17. The CNS was accompanied by General Bipin Rawat UYSM AVSM YSM SM VSM Chief of the Army Staff and Vice Admiral Girish Luthra PVSM AVSM VSM ADC Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command.

The CNS witnessed a host of exercises viz. Gunnery shoots, Surface to Air missile engagements, Brahmos firing and operations of the combined Fleet in a complex multi threat environment including sub surface and air threats. The high-point of the exercise was Large Force Engagement (LFE) by the Fleet units against threat simulated by air element from Indian Air Force comprising AWACS, SU 30s, Jaguars and IL 78 (AAR). These threats emanated from different directions and were neutralised by using Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile capabilities of MiG 29Ks, the integral air arm of the Indian Navy, operating from INS Vikramaditya in coordination with other Fleet units. All these exercises validated the combat effectiveness of IN platforms.

The CNS during his address to the Fleet congratulated the men for keeping the fleet combat ready at all times and executing all assigned tasks in a most professional manner. CNS also mentioned that training during peacetime has to be at par with how we would Fight during war and emphasised on taking bold decisions with due cognisance to risks involved and ensuring safety of men and material.

TROPEX 2017 is a month long exercise/ war drill, encompassing all dimensions of maritime warfare and is witnessing participation of over 60 ships, 05 submarines and more than 70 naval aircraft. It also includes participation of a large number of assets from the Indian Air Force, such as Su-30 and Jaguar fighters, AWACS, C 130J Hercules and in-flight refuelling aircraft, Infantry amphibious elements from Indian Army and ships/ aircraft from the Indian Coast Guard.

The area of operations for TROPEX 2017 exercise spans across the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea and North Central Indian Ocean and serves as an opportunity to validate the Indian Navy’s Concepts of Operation.

As a part of the exercise, niche capabilities of the Marine Commandoes (MARCOs) and Army Special Forces, including Airborne Assault and Combat Free Fall were undertaken from IAF C-130 aircraft. Naval forces, while enforcing sea and airspace control all around the affected islands, undertook beaching and heli-borne operations for landing of follow-on forces. The exercise culminated with restoration of sovereign control over the affected islands, by the Armed Forces. During debrief of the exercise, CNS and COAS discussed various options to further enhance the effectiveness of the joint exercise.

TROPEX 17 assumes special significance in the backdrop of the current security scenario, being aimed at testing combat readiness of the combined fleets of the Indian Navy, and the assets of the Indian Air Force, Indian Army and the Indian Coast Guard. It will also strengthen inter-operability and joint operations in a complex environment.

What's a thread without a picture?


The 8100 Ton Kolkata Class Destroyer INS Chennai firing the Brahmos.
-Indian Navy

http://zeenews.india.com/india/nava...aft-test-fires-anti-ship-missile_1974997.html
New Delhi: The Indian Navy's maritime patrol aircraft Ilyushin 38 Sea Dragon (IL 38 SD) on Wednesday carried out a successful anti-ship missile firing on a target ship in the Arabian Sea.

This was the aircraft's maiden firing post-midlife refit and modifications.

The firing was conducted as part of the ongoing annual Theater level Readiness and Operational Exercise (TROPEX-17) on the Western seaboard.

"IL 38 SD aircraft has undertaken its maiden firing post modification and midlife upgrade, thereby demonstrating its highly potent Anti Ship Missile (AShM) attack capability. The development ratifies the Indian Navy's ability to ensure long-range sea denial around Indian Subcontinent," a statement said.

IL 38 SD aircrafts are based at Goa and is placed under the Headquarters, Western Naval Command. It is armed with KH35 anti-ship missile.


First Published: Wednesday, February 8, 2017 - 21:19

Ministry of Defence
26-February, 2017 13:38 IST
Indian Navy Concludes Theatre Level Exercise Tropex 2017



The Indian Navy’s Annual Theatre Level Readiness and Operational Exercise (TROPEX 17) was conducted on the Western Seaboard from 24 Jan 17 till 23 Feb 17. The month long exercise saw participation of over 45 ships from both the Western and Eastern Naval Commands of the Indian Navy, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, 05 submarines including the nuclear powered Chakra, 50 Naval aircraft, 11 ships from the Coast Guard, troops from the Army and 20 aircraft from the Air Force including Su 30s, Jaguars and AWACS.


The exercise, in complete coordination with the Army and Air Force, was conducted in phases to test the various facets of war-fighting and joint combat capabilities of the armed forces to respond to given threat situations. The Joint Work Up Phase witnessed various weapon firings by ships, submarines and aircraft from both the Indian Navy and Air Force. The 2017 edition of TROPEX included the conduct of large scale ‘Out of Area Contingency’ in island territory, which saw participation of all three services and their special forces.


TROPEX 2017 culminated with Tactical Phase conducted over 10 days, and saw intense action by both the opposing forces. The interaction of the forces helped validate operational war fighting concepts and provided valuable lessons to sharpen combat skills.


TROPEX 2017 assumes great significance in the backdrop of current security scenario. The exercise provided an apt-opportunity to test the combat capability of the Indian Navy, Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Coast Guard, and strengthened inter-operability and joint operations in complex conflict situation.

By: PTI | New Delhi | Published:February 26, 2017 8:27 pm

Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya; centre, taking party in Indian Navy’s Theatre Level Exercise, TROPEX 2017. (Source: @indiannavy/Twitter)
http://indianexpress.com/article/in...or-exercise-to-test-combat-readiness-4544972/

The Navy has carried out a mega exercise which saw participation of its strategic assets including nuclear-powered submarine and aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, besides Su-30 and Jaguar fighter jets of IAF. The Theatre-level Readiness and Operational Exercise (TROPEX) was conducted to test combat readiness of the combined fleets of the Navy, the Air Force, the Army and the Coast Guard. The aim of the month-long exercise, which was carried out across the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea and the North Central Indian Ocean, was to test the combat readiness of the forces to deal with any possible threat.

“TROPEX 2017 assumes great significance in the backdrop of current security scenario. “The exercise provided an apt-opportunity to test the combat capability of the Indian Navy, Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Coast Guard, and strengthened inter-operability and joint operations in complex conflict situation,” the Defence Ministry said.

Over 45 ships from both the Western and Eastern Naval Commands, five submarines including the nuclear powered Chakra, 50 Naval aircraft, 11 ships from the Coast Guard, troops from the Army and 20 aircraft from the Air Force including Su-30s and Jaguars participated in the exercise from January 24 to February 23.

“The exercise, in complete coordination with the Army and Air Force, was conducted in phases to test the various facets of war-fighting and joint combat capabilities of the armed forces to respond to given threat situations,” the Ministry said. It witnessed various weapon firings by ships, submarines and aircraft from both the Navy and the Air Force. The Ministry said the interaction of the forces helped validate operational war fighting concepts and provided valuable lessons to sharpen combat skills.