Indian Navy flexes muscle in Arabian Sea with long-range precision anti-ship missile firings
Sources in the defence and security establishment told ThePrint that the firings were part of scheduled operational drills, but in the current security environment, they send a clear message of maritime dominance and deterrence.
In a post shared on 'X' amid escalating tensions with Pakistan, the Navy reinforced its commitment to safeguarding the nation's maritime interests: 'Indian Navy stands Combat Ready, Credible and Future Ready — Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow.'
New Delhi: The Indian Navy flexed its muscle Sunday in the Arabian Sea as it successfully carried out multiple long-range precision anti-ship missile firings to demonstrate the combat readiness of its frontline platforms, systems and crew.
'The precision strike capability at sea is vital for maintaining deterrence and securing national interests', they added.
Earlier on Thursday, the indigenous destroyer INS Surat successfully test-fired a Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM), underscoring the Navy's operational readiness and reinforcing its layered air-defence grid at sea.
These tests come at a time when Pakistan has issued multiple naval warnings, a no-fly zone and a Notice to Airmen/Mariners (NOTAM) for parts of the Arabian Sea on 24 and 25 April in what is being seen as precautionary steps amid the speculation of a possible Indian military action.
The neighbouring country has also increased its military presence near its borders with India. For the third consecutive night, Pakistan violated ceasefire, opening unprovoked fire along the Line of Control.
'On the night of 26–27 April, Pakistan commenced unprovoked small arms fire in Tutmari Gali and Rampur sectors, leading to a prompt and effective response from the Indian forces,' an official from the Indian Army informed thePrint.
They further pointed out that the forces are sustaining an elevated level of preparedness and are reacting suitably to any aggressive actions.
In the Kashmir Valley, the security forces have demolished nine properties linked to active militants and conducted over 100 searches of homes belonging to suspected sympathisers.
'More than 100 individuals were detained during these operations and we are systematically dismantling the support networks that sustain terrorism,' said a source. 'There will be no safe haven for terrorists or their sympathisers.'
The Army has been actively engaged in over a dozen counterterrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir following the Pahalgam massacre. Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi had reached Srinagar Friday to assess the situation and met with commanders on the ground to review security operations. On Saturday, the Army posted a short clip on 'X' with the message, 'Always Prepared, Ever Vigilant.'
Similarly, the Indian Air Force (IAF) launched a large-scale war-drill named 'Aakraman' Thursday, focusing on offensive capabilities.
'The exercise is designed to ensure the IAF remains prepared for any eventuality. It involves the deployment of frontline fighter jets, including Rafale and Su-30MKI squadrons, as well as support from AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control Systems), mid-air refuellers, MiG-21 fighters and Garud commandos,' according to an IAF official.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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