On August 9-14, 2021, the 2nd edition of Bilateral Maritime Exercise Zair-Al-Bahr (Roar of the Sea) 2021 between the Indian Navy and Qatar Emiri Naval Force (QENF) was conducted in the Persian Gulf. It consisted of a three day harbour phase followed by a two day sea phase.
Participation in Sea Phase:
i.Indian Navy Guided Missile Stealth Frigate INS (Indian Naval Ship) Trikand arrived at Qatar’s capital city, Doha for participation in the sea phase. It was commanded by Captain Harish Bahuguna.
ii.From QENF, two Anti-Ship Missile equipped Barzan Class Fast Attack Craft and Damsah class Fast Attack Craft along with AW-139 helicopter and Rafale Fighter Aircraft participated.
Key Points:
i.The activities during the harbour phase included cross deck visits, professional interactions between the specialists and official visits.
ii.The sea phase consisted of tactical maritime exercises involving Surface Action, Anti-Piracy exercises, Air Defence, Maritime surveillance, Boarding operations and SAR (Search and Rescue) exercises.
About Zair-Al-Bahr Exercise:
Initiated in 2019, it focuses on the fight against terrorism, maritime piracy, and maritime security. It also aims to consolidate interoperability and strengthen the maritime exchanges and friendship between the navies of both nations.
- Interoperability is a military ability to routinely act together coherently and effectively to achieve tactical operational and strategic objectives.
About INS Trikand:
It is one of the frontline frigates of the Indian Navy equipped with a versatile range of weapons and sensors. It is a part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet based at Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- It is under the Operational Command of Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C), Western Naval Command, Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar.
Recent Related News:
In July 2021, INS Tabar participated in a 2-day maritime exercise with the French Navy on the Bay of Biscay. They conducted a wide range of exercises, including anti-submarine and air defence drills. From the French Navy, 4 Rafale Fighter Aircrafts & NH 90 – a twin-engine helicopter participated in the exercise.
About Indian Navy:
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS)– Admiral Karambir Singh (24th)
Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Navy)- New Delhi
