NEW DELHI: Ahead of Navy Day, top military leaders including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Manoj Pande, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari of the Indian Air Force, and Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, gathered at the National War Memorial for a solemn ceremony. They paid their respects by laying wreaths, honoring the sacrifices made by our courageous soldiers in a heartfelt gesture of remembrance.

Navy Day, observed on December 4, commemorates the audacious "Operation Trident" conducted by the Indian Navy during the 1971 War, specifically the daring attack on Karachi harbour. This year, the Indian Navy plans to mark the occasion with an Operational Demonstration at Sindhudurg Fort in Maharashtra.

An official statement from the Ministry of Defence revealed, "The Indian Navy is set to showcase its operational prowess and capabilities through an 'Operational Demonstration,' encompassing various naval operations by ships and aircraft at the iconic Sindhudurg Fort on December 4, 2023." Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, will host the event, which will be attended by senior government officials, military dignitaries, and local residents at Tarkarli beach. The aim is to celebrate the nation's rich maritime history and move away from colonial practices.

The 'Operational Demonstration' serves to honor the bravery and determination of personnel who achieved the impossible in adverse conditions. It will also provide a glimpse of the Indian Navy's cutting-edge ships and aircraft to the public and online viewers through a live telecast.

The historic Sindhudurg Fort, constructed in 1660 by Maratha Ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, stands as a testament to India's maritime legacy and provides an ideal setting for the Navy's operational demonstration with its frontline assets, as mentioned in the release.

The event will witness the participation of 20 warships and 40 aircraft, including the MiG 29K and LCA Navy, which are expected to be a major highlight. Additionally, there will be combat beach reconnaissance and an assault demonstration by the Marine Commandos of the Indian Navy.

Among the attractions will be a performance by the Naval Band, a continuity drill, and a hornpipe dance by the SCC cadets. The event will culminate with the illumination of ships at anchorage, followed by a laser show at Sindhudurg Fort.

"This mega event, hosted by the Indian Navy, is unique as it is not held at any major naval station. The Sindhudurg Fort, located 550 km from Mumbai and approximately 135 km from the naval station at Goa, has been meticulously prepared for these events in collaboration with the state government and local administration," the release stated.

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