The maiden bilateral tri-service drill being carried out by the India and the UK has ended in the Arabian Sea.
“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,” the defence ministry said.
The UK's Carrier Strike Group (CSG) led by its largest warship HMS Queen Elizabeth and several other frontline ships of the two navies had participated in the 'Konkan Shakti' exercise.
Indian Navy's MiG 29K jets, the Royal Navy's F-35B aircraft and Indian Air Force's SU-30 and Jaguar fighters were among the key assets deployed for the exercise.
The defence ministry said in a statement, "Drills undertaken during the exercise involved replenishment at sea practice, strike operations by fighter aircraft, cross control of helicopters, simulated induction of army troops, gun shoots on expendable air targets, advanced air and sub-surface exercises, composite helicopter formation fly-past and 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."
The culmination of the exercise was marked by the traditional steam past between ships of the two navies.
