Context

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) recently concluded annual Theatre Level Readiness and Operational Exercise (TROPEX).

About

• It is a yearly exercise that takes place on Western Seaboard.
• It is conducted to test various aspects of not only joint combat capabilities but also to test war capabilities of three services in war like situation.
• The day long review of TROPEX 2019 was undertaken to examine the conduct of exercise and to assess operational readiness of the Indian Navy.
• Lessons learnt from the exercise will provide the Indian Navy accurate assessments to fine tune combat deployments, force structuring requirements, operational logistics as also material and training imperatives.

Significance

Significance

• TROPEX 2019 was thus far the largest in terms of geographical extent covering the IOR, and also with regard to number of units participating.
• About 60 ships of Indian Navy, 12 ships of Indian Coast Guard and 60 aircraft participated in TROPEX 19.
• As a prelude to TROPEX, the largest coastal defence exercise over codenamed ‘Sea Vigil’, was conducted on 22 and 23 Jan 19 with participation of all coastal states and union territories along with all maritime stake holders.
• Overall, the exercise validated the Navy’s readiness and capability to meet various mandated roles, in support of national objectives.