The Indian Navy’s flagship Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX-25) is currently underway in the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean Region, demonstrating the nation’s formidable maritime strength and commitment to securing its maritime interests. Conducted biennially, this large-scale exercise brings together the full spectrum of India’s defense forces, including the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Coast Guard, in a unified display of strategic coordination and operational readiness.
Spanning three months from January to March 2025, TROPEX-25 is designed to validate the Indian Navy’s core warfighting capabilities and ensure seamless, integrated responses to evolving maritime threats. In an era of complex security challenges, the exercise simulates a wide range of scenarios, from conventional warfare to asymmetric and hybrid threats, reinforcing the Navy’s preparedness to tackle any contingency. The operational drills are meticulously planned, encompassing various phases both in harbor and at sea. These include cyber and electronic warfare operations, live weapon firings, and an intense Amphibious Exercise (AMPHEX), underscoring the Navy’s ability to execute joint amphibious operations with precision.
At the heart of TROPEX-25 is a formidable naval fleet, comprising approximately 65 warships, nine submarines, and over 80 aircraft. These units are put through rigorous and complex maritime scenarios to test and refine the Navy’s operational strategies, ensuring they remain at the cutting edge of modern warfare. The exercise features an impressive lineup of indigenous and advanced platforms, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, the state-of-the-art Visakhapatnam and Kolkata-class destroyers, Kalvari-class submarines, and a diverse air fleet featuring MiG-29K fighters, P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, HALE Sea Guardian drones, and MH-60R helicopters.
In a remarkable demonstration of jointness and interoperability, the Indian Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard have been fully integrated into TROPEX-25. The participation of Sukhoi-30 and Jaguar fighter jets, C-130 transport aircraft, Flight Refuellers, AWACS surveillance aircraft, an Infantry Brigade with over 600 troops, and more than 10 Coast Guard ships and aircraft highlights the level of synergy achieved between the services. This collaboration ensures a well-coordinated and effective response to potential security threats in India’s maritime domain.
Over the years, TROPEX has grown in scale and complexity, evolving into a critical exercise that fine-tunes India’s maritime strategy and enhances operational effectiveness. TROPEX-25 stands as a testament to the country’s resolve to safeguard its maritime interests with precision, agility, and unwavering commitment. As the Indian Navy and its allied forces continue to push the boundaries of operational excellence, the message is clear—India remains steadfast in its ability to project power and maintain security in its surrounding waters, anytime, anywhere, and under any circumstances.
