The Indian Navy is currently conducting its premier operational exercise, the Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX-25), in the strategic waters of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This biennial exercise is recognized for its scale and importance, bringing together the Indian Navy, the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force (IAF), and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in a demonstration of India’s commitment to maritime security amid a continuously evolving threat landscape.
TROPEX-25 aims to achieve several key objectives. It seeks to validate core warfighting skills of the Indian Navy across multiple operational scenarios, ensure a coordinated response to various threats—conventional, asymmetric, and hybrid—and test the combat readiness, strategic deployment, and interoperability among the Armed Forces and the Coast Guard.
Spanning three months from January to March 2025, the exercise is organized into distinct phases. The initial Harbour Phase focuses on mission planning, logistical coordination, and operational briefings vital for the subsequent Sea Phase. The Sea Phase is marked by complex maritime operations, which include combat operations, cyber and electronic warfare drills, live weapon firings, and an Amphibious Exercise (AMPHEX) showcasing the integration of land and sea forces.
The scope of TROPEX-25 is impressive, featuring an extensive array of military assets. Approximately 65 Indian naval ships and 9 submarines, including the Kalvari Class, are involved along with more than 80 aircraft such as MiG-29K fighters, P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, and Sea Guardian HALE UAVs. The exercise also sees the participation of the INS Vikrant, India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, alongside modern destroyers from the Visakhapatnam and Kolkata classes.
The Indian Air Force contributes assets including Sukhoi-30 and Jaguar fighters, along with C-130 transport aircraft and flight refuellers, enhancing aerial capabilities. The Indian Army is represented by an Infantry Brigade with over 600 troops involved in amphibious and joint operational drills. Additionally, the Indian Coast Guard is taking part with more than 10 ships and aircraft engaged in maritime surveillance and security operations.
Key focus areas of the exercise include coordinated planning and precise targeting, combat effectiveness in contested environments, joint amphibious operations, robust cybersecurity, and electronic warfare capabilities. The ability to sustain forward operations and maintain strategic deterrence are also critical elements being tested.
TROPEX-25 highlights the Indian Armed Forces’ dedication to achieving jointness and operational synergy, reinforcing their preparedness to tackle maritime security challenges. This exercise is instrumental in ensuring India maintains its capacity to project power, safeguard its maritime interests, and efficiently respond to threats anywhere and anytime.
Moreover, this iteration of TROPEX signifies India’s commitment as a responsible maritime power capable of conducting credible joint operations within the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, reinforcing its position in global maritime strategy.
