Indian rescue mission near Somalia: The government recently shared details about a daring rescue mission carried out by Indian forces near the Somalian coast, where 17 crew members of a merchant ship were saved from pirates. The operation took place in low-light conditions and involved significant risks.
Wing Commander Akshay Saxena, who played a crucial role in this high-risk mission, was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) on the eve of Republic Day. He was recognized for his bravery and determination during the operation.
Wing Commander Saxena has been serving in the Indian Air Force since June 2006 and was part of the C-17 squadron from February 2021. When the urgent mission was assigned, he quickly selected the right crew and made sure the aircraft was fully prepared for launch.
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The mission had to be carried out secretly and within a limited timeframe, making it even more challenging. According to the Defence Ministry, the operation involved flying into another country’s airspace without being detected for nearly four hours. The pirates posed a real threat, as they were armed with small weapons, and the mission itself required extended flight time in a dangerous zone.
Accordig to NDTV, rescue was conducted as part of Operation Sankalp, an anti-piracy effort in the Arabian Sea. On March 16, 2024, Wing Commander Saxena led the mission to help capture a pirate-controlled ship that had been attacking merchant vessels in the region.
The same ship had also fired at INS Kolkata and shot down a naval surveillance drone just a day earlier. To counter the pirates, the C-17 aircraft airdropped two combat rubberized raiding craft (CRRC) boats and a team of 18 MARCOs, the special forces unit of the Indian Navy. These highly trained commandos, carrying their combat gear, successfully landed near the target location.
The operation took place near the Somalian coast, about 1,450 nautical miles away. In simpler terms, this was an incredibly long-distance mission that also extended 540 nautical miles beyond India’s designated airspace. Flight information regions define the airspace where flight monitoring and alert services are provided, and the aircraft had to fly through a foreign region undetected.
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To avoid being spotted, Wing Commander Saxena made a bold decision to switch off all aircraft emitters and fly at a low altitude over the sea. He also ensured the drop happened at dusk, minimizing the chances of detection.
Despite a sudden change in the drop location just 50 nautical miles before the planned site, Wing Commander Saxena remained calm and guided the crew to carry out a precision airdrop. This played a crucial role in the successful capture of the pirates and the rescue of the ship MV Ruen and its 17 crew members.
Throughout the mission, he coordinated effectively with the Indian Navy, keeping a high level of situational awareness both in the air and on the ground. Given the need for complete secrecy, every possible measure was taken to ensure the mission remained undetected for the nearly ten hours it lasted.
The Defence Ministry praised Wing Commander Saxena for his courage, leadership, and professionalism, highlighting how he flawlessly executed such a dangerous mission under extreme conditions. His actions not only helped save innocent lives but also contributed to India’s continued efforts to fight piracy in international waters.
