NEW DELHI: Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23- The Indian Navy's INS Sumedha has docked at Port Alexandria, Egypt to take part in 'Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23'. This multinational Tri-Services military exercise boasts the involvement of 34 countries, making it the largest joint military operation ever held in the Middle East and North Africa region, as announced by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Thursday.

The exercise has been structured into two distinct phases. The first phase, known as the Harbour Phase, encompasses a wide range of activities, including cross-deck visits, professional exchanges, sports events, and collaborative planning sessions for the upcoming Sea Phase.

The subsequent Sea Phase will be marked by intricate and high-intensity maneuvers, incorporating cross-deck flying, anti-surface and anti-air exercises, and even live weapon firing drills. This exercise serves as a valuable opportunity for the Indian Navy to enhance and showcase its interoperability skills, as well as learn from the best practices in maritime security operations, shared a MoD official.

This marks the maiden participation of the Indian Navy in Exercise Bright Star, where naval vessels from other friendly foreign nations will also take part. Over the course of two weeks, the exercises will involve intense operations and training, with the primary objective of reaffirming the participating navies' capability to function cohesively as an integrated force. It emphasizes their mutual commitment to maritime security and global stability through collaborative training and shared understanding.

INS Sumedha, under the command of Commander M.C. Chandeep, is the third vessel of the domestically produced Saryu class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels (NOPV). These vessels possess extended operational endurance and are equipped with the necessary weapons, sensors, and the capability to carry an integral helicopter.

The MoD highlights that INS Sumedha is a highly capable platform suitable for a variety of operational missions. It stands as a testament to the capabilities of the Indian shipbuilding industry, aligning with the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India).

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