In a historic milestone for the Indian Navy, siblings Commander Prerna Deosthalee and Commander Ishan Deosthalee are making waves as they command two warships simultaneously. This unprecedented achievement showcases not only the capabilities of these officers but also represents a significant moment for gender representation in the armed forces.

Commander Prerna Deosthalee gained recognition last year when she made history as the first female officer to command a warship in the Indian Navy. Currently, she is at the helm of the fast attack craft INS Trinkat, where she is responsible for its operational readiness and mission execution. Her appointment has been widely celebrated as a breakthrough for women in a field traditionally dominated by men.

On the other hand, Commander Ishan Deosthalee has also stepped into a pivotal role, taking command of INS Vibhuti, a Veer-class missile vessel. His command reinforces the family legacy within the Navy and highlights the achievements of both siblings. INS Vibhuti has recently participated in significant naval events, including a ceremonial steam past for President Droupadi Murmu off the coast of Goa in the Arabian Sea.

The President’s visit to the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant further reflected the Indian Navy’s strategic prowess. Accompanied by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, she observed an operational demonstration that underscored the Navy’s capabilities. In her remarks, President Murmu lauded the Navy for its extensive deployments and the critical roles they play in maritime safety.

She noted, “The Indian Navy units are deployed across vast areas for extended durations, showcasing their capabilities and strategic influence. Your positive, proactive, and swift actions have saved countless lives at sea.” She also highlighted a poignant moment from earlier this year when the Bulgarian President expressed gratitude for the Indian Navy’s rescue operation involving a hijacked vessel, illustrating the global impact and responsibilities undertaken by the Indian Navy.

This sibling duo’s leadership underscores a new era in the Indian Navy, reflecting both operational readiness and a growing acceptance of women in command positions, paving the way for future generations. The partnership of Commander Prerna and Commander Ishan Deosthalee not only symbolizes family honor but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring naval officers across the country.

Visakhapatnam: The Indian Navy is preparing to impress with its maritime capabilities during the upcoming ‘Op-Demo’ (operational demonstration) scheduled for December 4 at the Blue Flag Beach in Puri, Odisha. This year’s event highlights not only the Navy’s diverse competencies but also aims to foster maritime awareness among the populace and celebrate India’s rich seafaring heritage.

In an announcement that adds significance to the occasion, President of India Droupadi Murmu is expected to grace the celebrations as the chief guest for the Navy Day festivities. The ‘2024 Op-Demo’ serves as a testament to the cultural connection between the Indian Navy and the maritime history of Odisha—a state renowned for its maritime traditions and coastal activities.

Preparatory efforts are in full swing, as the Indian Navy collaborates with the Odisha government and local authorities to ensure that the event runs seamlessly. Extensive arrangements are being put in place to allow the public to observe the live demonstration, marking a unique opportunity for citizens to witness the Navy’s operational prowess up close. Additionally, those unable to attend in person will have the chance to engage with the event through live broadcasts via the Indian Navy’s YouTube channel and various national television networks.

As part of this significant event, the Indian Navy aims to not only showcase its operational might but also promote understanding and engagement regarding its crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests. The ‘Op-Demo’ stands as an essential platform for reinforcing the bond between the Navy and the people it serves, highlighting the importance of maritime awareness in contemporary India.

The Indian Army has commenced a significant tri-service exercise, ‘Poorvi Prahar’, in the strategically important and challenging mountainous regions of Arunachal Pradesh. This large-scale military exercise, which began on November 10, 2024, will continue until November 18, 2024, and aims to enhance the combat readiness and operational effectiveness of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The exercise is designed to refine the execution of Integrated Joint Operations, thereby fostering greater inter-service coordination and cooperation among the three branches of the armed forces.

During ‘Poorvi Prahar’, the participating forces will have access to an impressive array of advanced military assets, demonstrating India’s prowess in modern warfare technology. Advanced fighter aircraft, reconnaissance platforms, and a fleet of helicopters, including the Chinook and Advanced Light Helicopter (Rudra), are integral to the exercise. In addition, the M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers, which have recently been inducted into the artillery units, provide superior mobility, firepower, and precision, crucial for operations in the difficult terrain of the region.

A hallmark of this exercise is the emphasis on the integration of innovative technologies that are transforming military operations. Troops are engaged in operations utilizing Swarm Drones, First Person View (FPV) Drones, and Loitering Munitions. These advanced technologies significantly enhance situational awareness, allowing for more precise strikes and greater operational flexibility. The incorporation of such tools into the training reflects the military’s dedication to harnessing next-generation technologies to fortify its defense capabilities.

‘Poorvi Prahar’ also serves as a platform for the absorption and integration of advanced technological tools and joint command structures, which are essential for improving collaboration among the services. A fundamental aspect of the exercise is the development of a Common Operating Picture (COP) that facilitates real-time information sharing through systems reliant on satellite communications, augmented by AI-driven analytics. This technological framework empowers commanders with a comprehensive, real-time overview of the battlefield, enabling more informed decision-making and quicker response times.

The integration of AI and satellite communication technologies plays a critical role in enhancing the effectiveness of multi-service operations. By providing a seamless flow of information, these technologies ensure that the joint forces can act with enhanced precision, agility, and coordination, allowing them to adapt to the rapidly changing dynamics of the battlefield.

The conduct of ‘Poorvi Prahar’ underscores India’s commitment to establishing a robust and adaptable defense posture along its Eastern frontier, particularly in response to evolving regional challenges. Through this exercise, the Indian Armed Forces aim to strengthen their capability to execute seamless multi-domain operations across land, air, and sea, thereby bolstering India’s strategic deterrence capabilities.

As the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force collaborate and innovate through initiatives like ‘Poorvi Prahar’, they continue to position themselves at the forefront of military excellence, ensuring preparedness to address the security challenges of the future.

The Italian ‘Black Shark’ torpedo is once again in the spotlight as it seeks to fulfill a critical requirement for the Indian Navy’s Kalvari class submarines. This development comes a decade after the torpedo faced scrutiny over allegations of corruption and irregularities, which led to its initial withdrawal from consideration. Manufactured by Leonardo—previously known as Finmeccanica—the Black Shark is now vying for a share of a contract valued at approximately ₹3,000 crore, which entails the procurement of 48 heavyweight torpedoes for the Indian Navy.

With Leonardo removed from the blacklist imposed due to previous controversies, the Black Shark is competing against offerings from German and French manufacturers. Notably, both the German and French torpedoes had undergone testing by the Navy two years ago; however, these efforts did not yield any contracts. Meanwhile, the Black Shark has not seen field evaluation since its last test in 2009, during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

The ongoing tender process adds an element of uncertainty, as it does not clearly outline whether competitors will undergo fresh field evaluations or if the decisions will be based on historical performance and technical specifications already provided. Attempts to gather insights via a detailed questionnaire directed to both the Indian Navy and Leonardo remained unanswered as of the latest updates.

Previously, the Black Shark emerged as a strong contender for a requirement of 98 torpedoes during 2008-09, but the project was shelved in 2013 after being referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation by the defence ministry. The Indian Navy has been in pursuit of advanced heavyweight torpedoes for over a decade. A recent effort to acquire the next generation of torpedoes involved a competitive bidding process between German and French manufacturers, with the French F21 emerging as the most compliant and the lowest bidder. Nevertheless, a formal contract was never finalized.

In response to these ongoing procurement challenges, the Indian defence ministry has rolled out a dual-pronged strategy. This involves the immediate acquisition of 48 torpedoes from an international source paired with a ‘Make in India’ initiative intended for a more extensive procurement in the future. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to take the lead on this indigenous project, with potential collaboration from private entities.

The new heavyweight torpedoes are critical for the Kalvari class submarines, which are currently under construction at Mazagon Dockyard. The Indian Navy has six of these submarines on order, with negotiations ongoing for an additional three of the same class, highlighting the urgency and importance of resolving the torpedo procurement issue promptly.

The Indian Army has successfully conducted a significant tri-service military exercise named ‘Poorvi Prahar’ in Arunachal Pradesh, strategically located near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. This exercise aimed to bolster joint operational readiness among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, reflecting India’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities, especially in the northeastern region, which has been a focal point of attention in light of ongoing tensions along the LAC.

The exercise focused on improving multi-domain operations, enabling seamless coordination among the three services. This was particularly vital given the complex geopolitical environment in the region. Participating forces conducted a series of drills encompassing various combat scenarios that could occur along the border, thus testing and refining their combat preparedness and response strategies.

Military analysts have indicated that ‘Poorvi Prahar’ represents a crucial step in modernizing India’s defense posture. By integrating different branches of the armed forces, the exercise showcases India’s intent to present a united front in safeguarding its territorial integrity. Additionally, the exercise involved simulations of swift troop movements, coordinated air support, and naval operations, illustrating the adaptability and resourcefulness of India’s armed forces.

The Ministry of Defence emphasized the importance of such exercises in fostering interoperability among the three services, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. Officials noted that ‘Poorvi Prahar’ is part of a broader strategy to address evolving security challenges and maintain peace and stability in the region.

Observers suggest that the successful conduct of the exercise sends a strong signal to both domestic and international audiences about India’s defense preparedness. It underscores the proactive stance India is taking towards securing its borders while ensuring that its military remains well-equipped to address any emerging threats.

As the situation along the LAC remains sensitive, exercises like ‘Poorvi Prahar’ are likely to become a regular component of India’s defense strategy. The armed forces aim to not only enhance their capabilities but also reassure the nation of their readiness to respond to any situation that may arise in the future.

A high-intensity tri-Services exercise named ‘Poorvi Prahar’ is currently taking place in the forward areas of Arunachal Pradesh, aimed at enhancing the combat effectiveness of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in executing integrated joint operations within the region’s challenging mountainous terrain. This exercise, which runs from November 10 to 18, reflects India’s commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture along its eastern frontier amid evolving regional dynamics.

Participating forces are utilizing a wide array of advanced military platforms and systems, showcasing significant advancements in modern warfare technology. The Army has highlighted that this large-scale joint exercise is not only designed to improve inter-service coordination and operational readiness but also to reinforce India’s strategic deterrence capabilities.

Among the sophisticated assets employed during ‘Exercise Poorvi Prahar’ are advanced fighter aircraft, reconnaissance platforms, and helicopters such as the Chinook and Advanced Light Helicopter Rudra. Additionally, the exercise incorporates the newly inducted M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers, providing unprecedented mobility, firepower, and precision for operations in difficult terrain.

A notable aspect of the exercise is the integration of innovative technologies that are reshaping contemporary military operations. Troops are gaining expertise in utilizing swarm drones, First Person View (FPV) drones, and loitering munitions, which significantly enhance situational awareness, precision strikes, and operational flexibility. The incorporation of these advanced tools underscores the military’s focus on leveraging next-generation technologies to enhance defense capabilities.

Furthermore, the exercise emphasizes the development of a Common Operating Picture through joint command structures that optimize coordination between ground, air, and naval forces. Real-time information sharing is facilitated by systems utilizing satellite communications, driven by AI analytics. This enables commanders to make informed decisions rapidly, enhancing the overall response time during operations.

The integration of AI and satellite communication technology plays a crucial role in optimizing multi-service operations, allowing commanders to maintain a comprehensive, real-time overview of the battlefield. This technological synergy enhances the forces’ precision, agility, and coordination, and ensures that the joint military units are prepared to adapt to the evolving nature of warfare.

The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force remain committed to collaboration and innovation, striving to stay at the forefront of military excellence. This exercise serves as a crucial platform for integrating advanced technological tools and joint command structures, ultimately ensuring the nation’s preparedness to address future security challenges.