The Indian Navy and the Royal Malaysian Navy are gearing up for an intense four-day, bilateral exercise named ‘Samudra Laksamana’. The maritime military event is slated to happen from the 12th to the 15th of September 2019. This multi-faceted, phased exercise seeks to enhance the collaborative capabilities of the two navies, in turn bolstering regional security and strengthening the bonds between the countries involved.
Exercise Phases: Harbour Phase and Sea Phase
The exercise is structured into two distinct phases. The first phase is the ‘Harbour Phase’ that serves as a platform for various professional interactions and engagements. During the Harbour Phase, official calls are made, social events are scheduled, sport activities are arranged, and visits by the local populace are conducted. This part of the exercise greatly emphasizes human interaction and cooperation.
Moving from private docks to open waters, the second phase, or the ‘Sea Phase’, of the exercise kicks off. The aim of this phase is to further refine and sharpen the naval skills of participants. This on-field experience allows the two navies to increase their interoperability, thereby ensuring safer and secure seas for everyone.
Indian Navy’s Participation: INS Sahyadri and Kiltan
The Indian Navy is set to deploy two of its finest ships for this exercise – the Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kiltan. These ships, part of the Eastern Naval Command based at Visakhapatnam, represent the zenith of India’s warship manufacturing prowess.
INS Sahyadri is a multirole guided missile stealth frigate that operates under the Shivalik-class. INS Kiltan, on the other hand, is an anti-submarine warfare corvette, part of the distinguished Kamorta-class. Both these ship classes embody advanced, indigenously designed and built multi-role capacities of the Indian Navy.
Technical Specifications of INS Sahyadri and Kiltan
| Specifications | INS Sahyadri | INS Kiltan |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Stealth Frigate | Warfare Corvette |
| Class | Shivalik | Kamorta |
| Primary Role | Guided Missile Operations | Anti-Submarine Warfare |
| Secondary Role | Multirole Operations | Multirole Operations |
Both INS Sahyadri and Kiltan are equipped with a vast array of weapons and sensors, alongside multi-role helicopters. The deployment of these two ships in the Samudra Laksamana exercise is a testament to the ‘coming of age’ of India’s warship building capabilities.
The Impact on Regional Stability
The upcoming Samudra Laksamana exercise is anticipated to have a profound impact on the stability and security in the region. As these two navies come together to sharpen their skills and foster mutual understanding through this initiative, it highlights the strength of the diplomatic ties between India and Malaysia. The joint military exercise underscores the shared commitment to ensuring peace and security in the maritime domain.
Though the physical exercise culminates within four days, the lessons learned, capabilities developed, and relationships formed during this period will have lasting impacts. The commitment to mutual growth and shared understanding echoes beyond the confines of the exercise, contributing richly towards the strengthening of the regional security infrastructure.