India’s INS Tabar and a German Sea Lynx helicopter during India-Germany MPX – 2024 in Kiel Canal. (Photo: Indian Navy)
New Delhi: The Indian Navy’s frontline guided-missile frigate, INS Tabar, successfully concluded a maritime partnership exercise (MPX) with the German navy (officially called Deutsche Marine) off the Kiel Canal, in the North Sea, on Monday. The Kiel Canal links the North Sea with the Baltic Sea at Kiel-Holtenau. This naval exercise between India and Germany was aimed at strengthening bilateral naval ties and maritime cooperation and enhancing collaborative efforts in maritime security.
The exercise involved advanced maritime operations, including ship-controlled approaches, winching exercises, and vertical replenishment (VERTREP) serials. A Sea Lynx (Westland Super Lynx Mk88a) helicopter from the Deutsche Marine’s 3rd Squadron Naval Air Wing 5 (MFG5) played a crucial role in these operations, demonstrating high levels of professionalism and commitment from both navies.
#IndianNavy's frontline Frigate #INSTabar during her return leg from St Petersburg, Russia conducted #MaritimePartnershipExercise with Sea Lynx of 3rd Squadron Naval Air Wing 5 (MFG5) of the #GermanNavy off Kiel Canal in the North Sea.@deutschemarine @eoiberlin@IN_WesternFleet pic.twitter.com/JkM6w7w83t
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) August 7, 2024
INS Tabar, which had earlier visited Hamburg from July 17-20, conducted the MPX during its return leg from St Petersburg, Russia, where it participated in the 328th Russian Navy Day parade followed by an Indian-Russia MPX, as India Sentinels had reported. The visit to Hamburg and the subsequent exercise off the Kiel Canal is part of the Indian Navy’s outreach and sustenance efforts, showcasing its commitment to fostering partnerships with navies worldwide.
In a news release, the Indian Navy said the MPX with Germany’s navy is a testament to the strong bilateral naval ties between India and Germany. It underscores the ability of both navies to work together in complex maritime operations, enhancing their readiness and interoperability.
The Navy further said the exercise also highlights the service’s dedication to maintaining a robust maritime presence and its proactive approach to international maritime cooperation.
