TROPEX 2025: The Indian Navy’s biggest operational exercise, the 2025 edition of Theatre Level Operational Exercise (TROPEX), is currently happening in the Indian Ocean Region. This exercise is a test of the Navy’s warfighting skills and its ability to defend India’s maritime security. It also prepares the forces to respond effectively in a contested environment, whether the threats are conventional, asymmetric, or hybrid.
The exercise, which takes place every two years, began in January and will continue until March 25. It involves not just the Indian Navy but also significant participation from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Coast Guard. Different phases of the exercise are being conducted both at sea and in the harbor.
It covers various aspects of modern warfare, including combat operations, cyber warfare, electronic warfare, and live weapon firings.
Saab Delivers AT4 Anti-Tank Weapons to Indian Armed Forces
#IndianNavy‘s largest Operational Level exercise #TROPEX conducted over 4 months, across the #IndianOceanRegion culminated. Intense ops by more than 150 warships, submarines & aircraft & significant participation from #IndianArmy, #IndianAirForce & #CoastGuard.@SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/snyCfpqTvW
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) March 9, 2023
A large number of naval assets are part of this event. Around 65 Indian naval ships, nine submarines, and over 80 aircraft of different types are actively participating. These forces are put through complex operational scenarios to test and improve their combat readiness and coordination with other military branches.
Some of th warships and aircraft in the exercise include aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, the advanced destroyers of the Visakhapatnam and Kolkata class, and the Kalvari-class submarines. The Indian Navy’s air fleet, including MiG 29K fighter jets, P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft, HALE Sea Guardian drones, and MH-60R helicopters, are also taking part.
TROPEX-25: The Indian Navy’s Biggest 3 month Bilateral and Multilateral Exercise Underway
To strengthen joint operations, the Indian Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard have also joined the exercise. The Air Force has deployed Sukhoi-30 and Jaguar fighter jets, C-130 transport aircraft, flight refuellers, and AWACS surveillance planes. The Indian Army has contributed an Infantry Brigade with over 600 troops. More than 10 Coast Guard ships and aircraft are also participating.
According to The Week, a defence ministry official said, “This exercise enhances the jointness and coordination among the three services and the Coast Guard, making India’s defence forces stronger and better prepared for any challenge.”
