Indo-Lanka naval exercise concluded

The Sri Lanka–India Naval Exercise (SLINEX) -23 was concluded in seas off Colombo on Saturday (08). It commenced on 03 April.SLINEX provides an opportunity for the navies of the two countries to share their experiences and best practices in various aspects of naval operations and enhance their interoperability.

SLINEX -23 was augmented by the Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS Samudura and SLNS Vijayabahu from the Sri Lanka Navy as well as a Dornier Maritime Surveillance Aircraft and a Bell 412 helicopter of the Sri Lanka Air Force. In addition, INS Kiltan, INS Savitri, a Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft and a Chetak helicopter of the Indian Navy joined the maritime exercise.

Conducted in two phases, the harbour phase of the exercise was held from 03rd to 05th April at the port of Colombo and the sea phase was conducted off Colombo from 06th to 08th April.

The sea phase of the exercise featured a wide range of activities, including Gunnery Exercises (GUNEX), Search and Rescue Exercises (SAREX), Screen Exercise (SCREENEX), Replenishment at Sea (RAS) Approaches, Abeam Fuelling Approaches, Visit Board Search & Seizure (VBSS) Exercises, Photo Exercises (PHOTOEX), Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), Search and Rescue Exercises by Helo and Deck Landing Practice (DLP).

As part of the harbour phase proceedings, Indian naval personnel visited Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS) Headquarters in Gangewadiya, Puttalam and participated in a training session on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. Further, personnel of the Indian Navy, Special Boat Squadron (SBS) and Sri Lanka Air Force took part in a Joint Heli Rappelling training exercise at the Air Force base, Katunayake.