Visakhapatnam: Indigenous Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant is among the top-class vessels and aircraft that are participating in the 2025 edition of the Indian Navy’s capstone Theatre Level Operational Exercise (Tropex), currently underway in the Indian Ocean Region.
A press release from the Eastern Naval Command (ENS) revealed that in addition to state-of-the-art Visakhapatnam and Kolkata class destroyers, Kalvari class submarines and aircraft fleet comprising MiG 29K, P8I, HALE Sea Guardian and MH-60R helicopters are also participating in the exercises.
The Tropex is conducted biennially with participation by all operational Indian Naval units, along with substantial participation by assets of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Coast Guard.
Tropex 25 is aimed at validating Indian Navy’s core war fighting skills, and ensuring a synchronised, integrated response to preserve and protect national maritime security interests in a contested maritime environment against conventional, asymmetric as well as hybrid threats.
The three-month exercise has been going on in various phases – both in harbour and sea – from January and will continue till March. The aim is to integrate the various facets of combat operations, cyber and electronic warfare operations, and live weapon firings during Joint Work Up Phase and Amphibious Exercise (AMPHEX).
Tropex involves approximately 65 Indian naval ships, nine submarines and over 80 aircrafts of different types. These are going through complex maritime operational scenarios to validate and refine the Navy’s Concept of Operations, including forward deployed sustenance and interoperability with other services.
Towards enhancing synergy and cooperation amongst the services, IA, IAF and Indian Coast Guard have been integrated into the exercise, with participation of Sukhoi-30, Jaguar, C-130, Flight Refueller, AWACS aircraft, an Infantry Brigade with over 600 troops, and more than 10 Indian Coast Guard ships and aircraft.
Having grown in scope and complexity over the years, Tropex is a step forward in coordinated planning, precise targeting, combat effectiveness and credible joint operations in a dynamic environment. This will safeguard India’s national maritime interests, the ENS press release added.
