NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy carried out a mission in the Arabian Sea on June 10 that featured two aircraft carriers, numerous warships, submarines, and more than 35 frontline planes in one of the largest displays of its operational capabilities in recent years amid China's expanding inroads into the Indian Ocean.

The Navy's aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and the recently inducted INS Vikrant, served as floating airfields for a variety of aircraft, including the MiG-29K and helicopters like the MH60R, Kamov, and Advanced Light helicopters, officials said.

"The exercise marks a significant milestone in the Indian Navy's pursuit of enhancing maritime security and power projection in the Indian Ocean and beyond," said Commander Vivek Madhwal, a spokesman for the Indian Navy.

He said that the exercise demonstrated India's technological prowess in the maritime industry through the flawless integration of two aircraft carriers with a diversified fleet of ships, submarines, and aircraft. The commitment of India to defending its national interests, preserving regional stability, and building collaborative alliances in the marine realm is underlined by this display of naval power,  said Madhwal.

After the introduction of the locally constructed INS Vikrant in September of last year, this is the first major drill involving the two aircraft carriers. The officials said, the two aircraft carriers served as mobile bases and were where the majority of the Navy's air assets were based.

The exercise showed that INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya may be stationed anywhere, increasing mission flexibility, enabling quick response to new threats, and enabling sustained aviation operations to protect national interests around the world.

Furthermore, they give our allies confidence that the Indian Navy is competent to meet our "collective" security needs in the area, said 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.

The importance of aircraft carriers will continue to be crucial in determining the country's defence strategy and fostering regional stability as India strengthens its security apparatus.

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