War-fighting capabilities of combat units tested

Visakhapatnam: The Eastern Naval Command Operational Readiness Exercise (ENCORE), Theatre Level Readiness and Operational Exercise concluded on the Eastern Seaboard on Wednesday.

The month-long exercise saw participation of over 40 ships and submarines, including those ships from the Western Naval Command, Andaman and Nicobar Command and Indian Coast Guard and assorted naval and IAF aircraft, including Fighters, Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance (LRMP) aircraft, Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and Air Early Warning (AEW), Anti- Submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopters.

The exercise was conducted in a phased manner to test various facets of war-fighting capabilities of the combat units, including Special Forces of ENC, to respond to given threat situations. The Tactical Phase that saw intense action by both the opposing forces helping to validate operational war fighting concepts and provided valuable lessons to sharpen combat skills.

The exercise was conducted in real time covering a vast expanse of Indian Ocean Region (IOR) notwithstanding the rough weather due to super cyclone Cebile in the Southern IOR. ENCORE assumes great significance in the backdrop of current security scenario. The exercise provided an apt-opportunity to test the combat capability of the ENC and refine action plans and contingencies for operations in complex maritime conflict zone.