Amid rise in drone attacks on merchant vessels, Indian Navy steps up surveillance in Arabian Sea

India News Network | 2023-12-31

Amid rise in drone attacks on merchant vessels, Indian Navy steps up surveillance in Arabian Sea

MV Chem Pluto, a Liberian Flag Chemical/Oil Tanker, reported a fire after being hit by a drone in the Arabian Sea on December 23

The Indian Navy has deployed Guided Missile Destroyers in various areas to maintain a deterrent presence

The Indian Navy has substantially increased its maritime surveillance activity in the Central and North Arabian Sea region following a rise in drone attacks on merchant vessels transiting the region. This includes deploying destroyers and frigates to counter the threat.

“The last few weeks have witnessed increased maritime security incidents on merchant vessels transiting through international shipping lanes in Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Central/ North Arabian Sea. The piracy incident on MV Ruen approximately 700 nautical miles from the Indian coast and recent drone attack on MV Chem Pluto, approximately 220 nautical miles South West of Porbandar indicates a shift in maritime incidents closer to Indian EEZ, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement issued on Sunday (December 31, 2023).

In response to these incidents, the Indian Navy has substantially enhanced maritime surveillance efforts in the Central and North Arabian Sea and augmented force levels.

According to the Ministry of Defence, Task Groups comprising destroyers and frigates have been deployed to undertake maritime security operations and render assistance to merchant vessels in case of any incident. Aerial surveillance by long-range maritime patrol aircraft and RPAs has been enhanced to have a complete maritime domain awareness. The Indian Navy is operating in close coordination with the Coast Guard to ensure effective surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

"The overall situation is being closely monitored by Indian Navy in coordination with national maritime agencies. Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring safety of merchant shipping in the region," the Ministry of Defence said.

Earlier this week, the ministry said the
Indian Navy has deployed Guided Missile Destroyers, INS Mormugao, INS Kochi and INS Kolkata in various areas to maintain a deterrent presence considering the recent spate of attacks in the Arabian Sea.

"Long-range maritime reconnaissance P8I aircraft are being regularly tasked to maintain domain awareness. Western Naval Command's Maritime Operations Centre is actively monitoring the situation in close coordination with Coast Guard and all concerned agencies," the ministry said in a statement on December 25, 2023.

MV Chem Pluto, a Liberian Flag Chemical/Oil Tanker with 21 Indian and 1 Vietnamese crew, reported a fire after being hit by a drone in the Arabian Sea on December 23, 2023. The attack was reported about 220 nautical miles off the coast of Gujarat.

According to news reports, the vessel was transporting oil from Saudi Arabia and was heading to the Mangalore Port in southern India.

MV Chem Pluto was inspected by the Indian Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal team to make a preliminary assessment of the type and nature of attack after it reached Mumbai and anchored safely at Outer Anchorage off Mumbai on December 25, 2023.

"Analysis of the area of attack and debris found on the ship points towards a drone attack. However, further forensic and technical analysis will be required to establish the vector of attack, including type and amount of explosive used," the Ministry of Defence said.

On December 15, 2023, responding swiftly to a report regarding a potential piracy incident onboard Malta-flagged vessel MV Ruen, the Indian Navy deployed a Maritime Patrol aircraft to investigate and establish communication with the crew.

INS Kochi, which was on Anti-Piracy Patrol in the Gulf of Aden, intercepted MV Ruen in the early hours on December 16, 2023, and launched its integral helicopter to assess the situation. The Indian Navy Ship was successful in ensuring that an injured crew member was released by the pirates for medical treatment.

Amid rise in drone attacks on merchant vessels, Indian Navy steps up surveillance in Arabian Sea

Social Media Celebrates Mumbai Pilot Captain Smit Machchhar

Flydubai Co-Pilot's Iran Allegations Involve Trump and Netanyahu

France's Student Protests Escalate into Nationwide Unrest

Mamata Banerjee Criticises Election Chief Over Poll Irregularities

Protests Planned at Jantar Mantar Amid Election Commission Controversy