In a remarkable display of its prowess and readiness, the Indian Navy conducted an extensive ‘Operational Demonstration’ on Wednesday at Blue Flag Beach in Puri, Odisha. The exercise featured an array of naval operations involving ships, submarines, aircraft, marine commandos, and personnel from the Indian Army. This event was part of the Navy Day celebrations, which honors the legacy of Operation Trident, a daring assault on Karachi harbour during the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
The exercise drew prominent figures, including President Droupadi Murmu, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and senior officials from both the Central and Odisha governments. The Indian Navy articulated that the demonstration aimed to highlight its rich maritime history and showcase the bravery and determination of its personnel in protecting national maritime interests “anytime, anywhere, anyhow.”
The showcase featured a compelling display of military assets, including 15 warships, MiG-29K fighter jets, and MH-60R helicopters, which captivated both spectators at the venue and online viewers. The marine commandos executed a tactical beach reconnaissance operation, further underscoring the Navy’s multifaceted capabilities.
To entertain and engage the audience, the event included musical performances by the Naval band, traditional Horn Pipe dances performed by SCC Cadets, and display drills conducted by Naval personnel. As the demonstration drew to a close, the Navy ships at the anchorage were illuminated, followed by an impressive laser and drone show that lit up the beach.
Significantly, this event marks the second instance in which the Indian Navy has organized such a large-scale operation outside a major naval station. Puri’s Blue Flag Beach, located approximately 500 kilometers from Visakhapatnam and about 200 kilometers from the nearest naval base at INS Chilka, provided a picturesque backdrop for this impressive showcase of naval strength and unity.
