Australia/India exercise in WA ends

Australia and India have successfully completed a series of complex warfare scenarios during Exercise Australia-India (AUSINDEX) off the Western Australian coast.

CAPTION: Indian Navy Ship INS Kamorta and HMAS Newcastle conduct officer of the watch manoeuvres in the Western Australian Exercise Area (WAXA) during AUSINDEX 2017. Photo by Able Seaman Nicolas Gonzalez.

The activities focussed on improving interoperability and war fighting skills between guided missile frigate, HMAS Newcastle, submarine HMAS Waller and Indian Navy frigate INS Shivalik, and stealth corvette INS Kamorta.

Newcastle’s Commanding Officer, Commander Mark Sirois, said AUSINDEX was an excellent opportunity to test how effectively both navies could work together.

“During the sea-phase we conducted advanced anti-submarine exercises, surface engagements, transfers at sea and Officer of the Watch manoeuvres,” Commander Sirois said.

“It was an excellent opportunity to see the professionalism of the Indian Navy and also showcase the proficiency of the Royal Australian Navy.

“Our tactics were very similar, our training has the same background, and there was a very smooth transition in working together.

“We had the opportunity to operate in company and demonstrate our capabilities, which provided valuable learning outcomes for all,” he said.

The Flag Officer Commanding India’s Eastern Fleet, Rear Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta, said there was a growing mutual understanding between Australia and India.

“We have much to gain from working together in the fields of defence and security,” Rear Admiral Dasgupta said.

“As we learn from best practices within our navies, we cement our lasting relationship and generate trust that will enable higher levels of cooperation.

“We share a mutual endeavour to find opportunities to work together more often, more closely and add more substance to our engagements as years go by.”

The enduring maritime relationship between the Royal Australian Navy and the Indian Navy will be highlighted further when Newcastle visits India en route to her deployment in the Middle East.

 

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