Navy Chief Meets Air Force Pilots Completing 10-Hour Continuous Flight for Anti-Piracy Mission in the Indian Ocean

Defense News ,India :-  Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R. Hari Kumar recently met with Indian Air Force pilots who were part of a significant anti-piracy mission in the Indian Ocean. This operation, known as Operation Sankalp, aimed to combat piracy threats in the region.

During the meeting, Admiral R. Hari Kumar commended the efforts of the pilots, particularly Captain Wing Commander Akshay Saxena, along with co-pilots Wing Commander Lokesh Manchanda and Squadron Leader Lovepreet Singh.

The mission involved flying a C-17 transport aircraft for approximately 10 hours non-stop from Mumbai. Their objective was to airdrop Indian Navy's Marine Commandos 2,600 kilometers away from the Indian shores to execute the operation. Remarkably, they successfully captured 35 Somali pirates off the coast of Somalia.

Following the operation, all captured Somali pirates were handed over to Mumbai Police after completing necessary customs and immigration procedures.

Admiral R. Hari Kumar reaffirmed the Indian Navy's commitment to safeguarding the region against piracy and drone attacks. He emphasized the importance of Indian Navy's role in ensuring safety and security in the Indian Ocean, which he pointed out is named after India.

In a press conference, Admiral Kumar highlighted the increase in the number of anti-piracy ships operating in the region. He mentioned the presence of ships from the Anti Piracy Escort Force from China and EUNAVFOR from Europe, stating that while they operate according to their national directives, the Indian Navy remains steadfast in its mission.

The Admiral underscored the significance of Indian Navy's operations, especially as they marked 100 days of actively countering threats such as drones, missiles, and piracy in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Red Sea.

Regarding merchant vessels acting as 'mother vessels' for piracy operations, Admiral Kumar mentioned the recent rescue operation of MV Ruen in the Arabian Sea. He revealed that the Indian Navy is closely monitoring the southern group suspected to have 35-60 pirates, along with the hijacked MV Abdullah vessel, which is suspected to be used as a mother ship.

Admiral Kumar expressed surprise at discovering MV Ruen being used as a mother vessel, indicating a shift from previous assumptions about the types of vessels used in piracy operations. He reiterated the Indian Navy's vigilance in monitoring such activities to ensure maritime security in the region.