From July 10th to July 12th, 2023, INS Sunayna, a Saryu class Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Indian Navy, participated in Op Southern Readiness 2023, organized by the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in Seychelles. The visit aimed to strengthen relationships between multiple nations and promote cooperation through the CMF exercise, focusing on enhancing maritime security and readiness. During this period, personnel from various participating navies engaged in professional interactions, knowledge sharing, and training exercises.
Promoting Cooperation and Professional Interactions
The visit of INS Sunayna to Seychelles facilitated professional interactions between personnel from multiple navies. Participating navies included the USA, Italy, UK, Seychelles Defence Forces, Marine Police, and member nations of EUNAVFOR. These interactions comprised subject matter expert exchanges, visits, and shared knowledge. Through such exchanges, the navies fostered mutual understanding, enhanced cooperation, and promoted best practices in maritime operations and security.
Lectures and Practical Demonstrations
INS Sunayna played an active role during the CMF exercise, conducting lectures and practical demonstrations on a range of topics. The vessel’s personnel shared their expertise in Navigation, VBSS (Basic and Advanced training), Maritime Domain Awareness, and mass casualty evacuation drills. These sessions provided an opportunity for participants to learn from each other, exchange ideas, and enhance their operational capabilities. The practical demonstrations showcased the vessel’s capabilities and readiness, contributing to the overall objectives of Op Southern Readiness.
Witnessed by CMF Delegation
The training exercises conducted by INS Sunayna were witnessed by a delegation from CMF in Bahrain, led by Commander CTF56, Commodore Oliver. Their presence underscored the significance of the exercise and highlighted the commitment of CMF in promoting maritime security and cooperation across international waters. The delegation observed the professionalism and operational readiness demonstrated by INS Sunayna and other participating navies, further strengthening the partnerships and collaborations within the CMF framework.
Operation Southern Readiness and CMF
Operation Southern Readiness is a capacity-building exercise conducted by the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a multi-national naval partnership aimed at promoting security and prosperity across international waters. CMF focuses on four main areas: defeating terrorism, preventing piracy, encouraging regional cooperation, and promoting a safe maritime environment. While India is not a member country of CMF, its participation in Op Southern Readiness demonstrates its commitment to maritime security and its willingness to collaborate with international partners.
INS Sunayna: A Versatile Offshore Patrol Vessel
INS Sunayna, a Saryu class Offshore Patrol Vessel, played a crucial role in Op Southern Readiness. Commissioned at Kochi, it is based under the Southern Naval Command and built at Goa Shipyard Limited. The vessel is designed to undertake fleet support operations, coastal and offshore patrolling, ocean surveillance and monitoring of Sea Lines of Communications and offshore assets, as well as escort duties. With a maximum speed of 25 knots and equipped with the latest Navigation, Communication, and Electronic Support Systems, INS Sunayna showcases India’s naval capabilities and readiness.