The exercise saw the two militaries work in cohesion through a series of complex multi-service combat drills in all domains of maritime operations

India and the UK’s maiden bilateral tri-service exercise, Konkan Shakti-21, culminated in the Arabian Sea on Wednesday.

Four-day military drills which began on October 24 saw the two defence forces work in cohesion through a series of complex multi-service combat drills in all domains of maritime operations - air, surface and sub-surface, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Thursday.

The military drills involved ‘replenishment at sea’ practice, strike operations by fighter aircrafts, cross control of helicopters, simulated induction of army troops, gun shoots on expendable air targets, advanced air and sub-surface exercises and composite helicopter formation fly-past, the statement said.

It also saw large force engagement involving fighter aircraft of the UK (F35B), Indian Navy (MiG 29K) and Indian Air Force (SU-30 and Jaguar), all of which reflected high synergy, professionalism and readiness of both nations to conduct joint maritime operations, when required.

Smooth execution of the first edition of the exercise is testimony to the professional abilities, mutual understanding and shared commitment of the two nations and their personnel in uniform, said a statement by the Ministry of Defence.

According to the statement, the exercise provided both forces the opportunity to share best practices and experiences with each other in a collaborative spirit that is particularly important in the complex and unpredictable global security environment.

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