In one of the biggest demonstrations of its combat prowess in recent years, the Indian Navy has carried out a mega operation in the Arabian Sea that involved two aircraft carriers, multiple warships, submarines, and over 35 frontline planes amid China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean region.

The exercise's focal point was the Navy's INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, which served as floating airfields for a variety of aircraft, including the MiG-29K and helicopters like the MH60R, Kamov, and Advanced Light helicopters, according to officials.

Indian Navy stated in a statement, “This demonstration of naval prowess underscores India’s commitment to safeguarding its national interests, maintaining regional stability, and fostering cooperative partnerships in the maritime domain. It also marks a significant milestone in the Indian Navy’s pursuit of enhancing maritime security and power-projection in the Indian Ocean, and beyond. The exercise involved seamless integration of two Aircraft Carriers INS Vikramaditya and the indigenously built INS Vikrant- along with a diverse fleet of ships, submarines, and aircraft, showcasing India’s technological expertise in the maritime domain.”

A carrier battle group or carrier strike group is a mega naval fleet comprising an aircraft carrier, accompanied by a large number of destroyers, frigates, and other ships.

“The Indian Navy has undertaken the twin-carrier CBG operations with more than 35 aircraft in the Arabian Sea, demonstrating its formidable capability in ensuring sustained air operations across the vast maritime expanse and underscoring our commitment to safeguarding India’s national interests,” Indian Navy Spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said.

The exercise proved that INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya can be stationed anywhere, enabling improved mission flexibility, quick response to new threats, and ongoing aviation operations to protect national interests around the world, they said.

“In addition, they provide our friends with an assurance that the Indian Navy is capable and ready to support our ‘collective’ security needs in the region,” said Commander Madhwal.

“The successful demonstration of two-carrier battle group operations serves as a powerful testament to the pivotal role of sea-based air power in maintaining maritime superiority,” he said.

“As India continues to strengthen its security apparatus, the significance of aircraft carriers will remain paramount in shaping the nation’s defense strategy and promoting regional stability,” he said.

The exercises are obviously intended as a flex in response to China's rising attempts to establish itself in the Indian Ocean region. The double aircraft carrier group flex occurs as the Indian Air Force has been utilizing frontline fighters to carry out a number of long-range anti-surface missions over the Indian Ocean.

Image source: Indian Navy