According to reports, on June 5, 2023, the Indian Navy warship INS Satpura arrived at Makassar, Indonesia to participate in the 4th edition of the Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK 2023). The deployment of INS Satpura to ASEAN countries aims to strengthen defence ties between nations.

India's bilateral naval exercise 'Samudra Shakti' is being conducted to strengthen maritime cooperation and friendship between the Indian and Indonesian navies. The exercise, now in its third edition, involves complex maritime operations and follows COVID-19 safety protocols. Its objective is to enhance collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Komodo military exercise, organized annually by the Indonesian Navy, involves the participation of 47 countries. Notably, Indonesia has extended invitations to major naval powers such as the United States and India, along with other nations. The exercise takes place in the Indian and Pacific oceans.

The first Komodo exercise was conducted in 2014 and included the participation of 18 countries. It was centered around a cluster of islands, including Batam, Natuna, and Anambas. The primary objective of the exercise is to enhance maritime security cooperation and interoperability among participating nations.

INS Satpura, a Shivalik-class Frigate, had previously participated in the 2012 Malabar exercise alongside the United States Navy. During the exercise, INS Satpura was accompanied by the US Navy Carrier Strike Group 1, which included USS Carl Vinson, USS Bunker Hill (Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser), and USS Halsey (Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer).

Constructed by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai, INS Satpura's keel was laid on October 31, 2002, and it was launched on June 4, 2004. After completion in 2010 and successful sea trials, the frigate was commissioned into the Indian Navy on August 20, 2011, under the Eastern Naval Command based in Visakhapatnam.

The participation of INS Satpura in the Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo signifies India's commitment to enhancing regional cooperation and fostering stronger naval ties with other countries.

Image source: ANI