On June 23-24, 2021, Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy participated in the two days Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the United States (US) Navy during its asset transit through Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The exercise was carried out south of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on the western seaboard under the responsibility of the Southern Air Command.
Indian Participation:
India was represented by Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kochi and INS Teg along with P8I and MiG 29K aircraft.
- IAF also operated from bases under four operational commands and includes Jaguar and Su-30 MKI fighters, Phalcon and Netra early warning aircraft and IL-78 air to air refueller aircraft.
US Participation:
The Carrier Strike Group (CSG) comprising Nimitz class aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan, Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS (United States Ship) Halsey and Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser USS Shiloh participated.
- It also has fielded F-18 fighters and E-2C Hawkeye early warning aircraft in the exercise.
- The CSG Ronald Reagan was in the Indian Ocean on its way to the Middle East to provide support for the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Aim of Exercise:
To strengthen bilateral relationship through integration and coordination in maritime operations like search and rescue along with exchange of best practices in the domain of maritime air power.
Key Points:
i.The exercise included advanced air defence exercises, cross deck helicopter operations and anti-submarine exercises.
ii.Both sides demonstrated their war-fighting skills and also showed integration to promote peace, security and stability in the maritime domain.
Recent Related News:
Navies of QUAD countries (mentioned above) participated in the Multilateral French Maritime Exercise ‘La Perouse’ in the Eastern IOR which was led by the French Navy. It was the 1st time ever that Indian Navy participated in the French defence exercise with INS Satpura, INS Kiltan along with P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
About United States:
Capital– Washington, D.C.
Currency– United States Dollar
President– Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.
Indian Ambassador to US– Taranjit Singh Sandhu
