India celebrated its 45th Indian Navy Day Dec. 4 with an impressive show of power by the navy's Eastern Naval Command (ENC) off Rama Krishna Mission Beach, one of the most popular beach parks in Visakhapatnam, headquarters of the ENC.
Indian media reported hundreds of thousands of spectators at the event billed as an "operational demonstration" (op demo) by the navy. The navy showcased its multi-dimensional warfare to protect India's 7,500 kilometer-long coastline with a display of naval and naval airpower.
At least 24 Indian Navy warships and 17 naval aircraft participated in the Navy Day op demo.
Navy Day commemorates a bold night attack by three Indian Navy missile boats and two corvettes on the Pakistan Navy at the port of Karachi on Dec. 4, 1971 during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
This daredevil assault codenamed Operation Trident caused the sinking of three Pakistan Navy warships and the destruction of the harbor's fuel stores. There were no Indian losses.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi saluted the bravery of the naval forces on the eve of Navy Day. In a tweet, Modi said India cherishes the role played by the Navy.
"Navy Day greetings to all navy personnel & their families. We cherish the vital role of the navy & salute the bravery of our navy personnel."
The op demo began after the arrival of chief guest, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi Raju, who was received by Vice Admiral H. C. S. Bisht, AVSM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.
Kicking-off the day's event was a skydiving assault by a team from MARCOS (the Special Forces unit of the Indian Navy). This was followed by helicopter landings on Eastern Fleet warships by Kamov Ka-27 anti-submarine helicopters; Sikorsky UH-3H Sea King utility helicopters and the HAL Chetak transport helicopters.
Two BAE Systems Hawk advance jet trainers then engaged in an entertaining mock dogfight where each tried to "shoot down" the other.
Nineteen ENC naval aircraft, including the newly inducted Boeing P-81 Poseidon anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare maritime reconnaissance aircraft, took part in an astounding flypast showcasing Indian naval airpower.
The navy also showed-off its Inshore Survey Vessels (ISVs) meant to safeguard offshore installations. Khukri-class and Kora-class corvettes simulated missile launches while Shivalik-class multi-role, stealth frigates maneuvered offshore during Indian Navy Day.