Exercise SALVEX

Why is in news? IN – USN Salvage and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) exercise – SALVEX

The Seventh edition of Indian Navy – US Navy (IN – USN) Salvage and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) exercise, SALVEX was conducted from 26 Jun – 06 Jul 23 at Kochi.

Indian Navy and US Navy have been participating in joint Salvage and EOD exercises since 2005.

The exercise saw participation from both the navies which included the ships – INS Nireekshak and USNS Salvor in addition to Specialist Diving and EOD teams.

Apart from the participating ships, the exercise also brought together Specialist Diving and EOD teams from both the Indian Navy and the US Navy.

These highly skilled teams shared their experiences and expertise in maritime salvage operations, fostering knowledge exchange and professional development.

SALVEX spanned over a period of 10 days, during which the diving teams from both countries engaged in joint training exercises.

The primary objective of these exercises was to enhance interoperability between the two navies, facilitating seamless coordination in salvage and EOD operations. The teams practiced various facets of EOD operations on land and at sea, working together to refine their techniques and procedures.

Key exercises conducted between India and the United States:

Malabar Exercise: The Malabar Exercise is a trilateral naval exercise involving the Indian Navy, the US Navy, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. It aims to enhance maritime cooperation, interoperability, and mutual understanding between the three navies.

Yudh Abhyas: Yudh Abhyas is an annual bilateral exercise conducted between the Indian Army and the US Army. It focuses on enhancing military cooperation, counterterrorism operations, and joint tactical exercises in a simulated battlefield environment.

Cope India: Cope India is an air combat exercise conducted between the Indian Air Force and the US Air Force. It focuses on enhancing aerial combat skills, interoperability, and cooperation between the two air forces.

Vajra Prahar: Vajra Prahar is a joint special forces exercise conducted between the Indian Army’s Special Forces and the US Army Special Forces. It aims to enhance counterterrorism capabilities, exchange tactics, and strengthen military-to-military relations.

Red Flag: Red Flag is a multinational aerial combat training exercise hosted by the US Air Force. The Indian Air Force has participated in the exercise, which involves realistic combat scenarios, joint planning, and coordination among different air forces.

Exercise Shatrujeet: Exercise Shatrujeet is a bilateral military exercise conducted between the Indian Army and the US Army. It focuses on joint training, counterinsurgency operations, and sharing best practices in warfare tactics.