Chennai: A week-long joint exercise focused on improving the interoperability in maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare was completed by the navies of India and the United States, an official said on August 30. The ‘Tridents’ of the patrol squadron VP-26 based out of Florida, the United States, along with the ‘Albatross’ of the Indian Naval Air Squadron 312 took part in combined anti-submarine warfare. A VP-26 P-8A Poseidon aircraft of the ‘Tridents’ and a P-8I Poseidon aircraft of the Indian Naval Air Squadron participated in the week-long programme.
“The subject matter expert exchange focused on improving interoperability between the two navies’ maritime patrol and reconnaissance forces. It included training on anti-submarine warfare and information sharing on specific maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean,” an official release said.
The two squadrons participated in flying and non-flying activities, which included discussions on operational planning, maintenance training, and logistical support. The two squadrons also coordinated in flying events with Indian Navy surface ships.
Lieutenant Ryan Speir, the detachment officer in charge at VP-26 said, “This is a great opportunity to strengthen our partnership with India and improve our ability to work together to protect the maritime commons.
The P-8A is a highly capable aircraft that plays a vital role in anti-submarine warfare operations and “this professional exchange would ensure that we are able to effectively use this asset in a combined environment.”
Capable of conducting anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and intelligence surveillance among others, the P-8A aircraft is a long-range, multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft. The ‘Tridents’ of the patrol squadron are currently forward deployed to Misawa Air Base, Japan. It conducts maritime patrol and reconnaissance as part of a rotational deployment to the United States 7th Fleet area of operations. The US’ 7th Fleet is the United States Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners.
