Puri: People of Odisha are eagerly waiting to witness the grand operational demonstration to be presented by the Indian Navy at Puri’s Blue Flag Beach on Wednesday as part of Navy Day celebrations. The event marks the anniversary of Operation Trident, a critical naval offensive during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
As per official sources, President Droupadi Murmu will be the Chief Guest at the event, hosted by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff. The demonstration aims to highlight the Navy’s capabilities and its dedication to protecting India’s maritime interests.
The display will feature over 15 ships, submarines, and more than 40 aircraft, with support from Marine Commandos (MARCOS) and personnel from the Indian Army.
Highlights include aerial manoeuvres by MiG-29K and Hawk fighter jets, combat exercises by MARCOS, demonstrations of submarine operations, amphibious landings, and rocket firing from warships.
The seaside town has already come alive with a host of activities as the full-dress rehearsals were conducted in which several naval warships practised off the coast. Local people as well as tourists from outside are eagerly waiting to have a glimpse of the grand show.
The spectacular show is scheduled to begin at the Blue Flag Beach of Puri shortly after 4 pm on Wednesday. Some of the demonstrations to be made during the grand events are given below:
BOMB BURST MANOEUVRE
The Hawk AJT also known as ‘Phantoms’ are multi-purpose trainer aircraft of the Indian Navy. Hawk aircraft in an arrow head formation will demonstrate their ground attack capability through a ‘Bomb Burst’ manoeuvre.
BANNER FORMATION
The Chetak aircraft is a highly manoeuvrable light utility and versatile helicopter operated by the Indian Navy. This aircraft will undertake a flypast in banner formation flying the National flag and the Naval Ensign.
SUBMARINE SAIL PAST
Lurking silently in the deep, ready to deliver a decisive punch, are our Submarines which symbolise the pinnacle of stealth and destructive power. Our Submarines can attack enemy ships, hostile submarines and even targets on enemy shores.
MARCOS DEMO
Step into the world of India’s elite Marine Commandos or MARCOS as they are popularly known. This demonstration offers an opportunity to witness the skill, courage and dedication of these highly trained warriors.
STIE DEMO
Speeding through the crashing waves, using orange smoke to indicate speed of attack, inflatable assault boats will be used by intrepid MARCOS of the Indian Navy to simulate extraction after a successful mission.
AMPHIBIOUS DEMO
Amphibious assaults are joint operations carried out with high synergy by all three services of the Indian Armed Forces. These operations are headed by a Naval Commander under whose orders Army and Naval troops land on enemy territory to achieve battlefield objectives, with the Air Force ensuring air dominance and air defence.
COMBAT FREE FALL
Combat Free Fall is a parachute landing method in which the paratroopers deploy their parachutes very close to the ground, so as to land in enemy territory undetected. The commandos control their parachute with skill to land precisely in the designated area.
HELO LANDING DEMO
Helicopters are an integral part of naval operations and play a vital role at sea. All naval ships are designed to undertake helo operations at sea. The launch and recovery of helicopters from ships require precise navigation by ships and skillful flying by helicopter pilots.
ANGEL DEMO
Chetak helicopters are extensively used for logistics support, medical evacuation, and Search and Rescue missions, both over land and sea, earning the name ‘Angels’. Four Chetak helicopters will carry out a coordinated display showcasing their versatility and manoeuvrability.
SAR DEMO
One of the roles of Indian Navy is to provide Search and Rescue (SAR) assistance for seafarers. All Helicopters operated by the Indian Navy are capable of SAR missions both over land and sea.
HORN PIPE DANCE
The Hornpipe dance replicates the life and duties of sailors onboard a ship and was popular among sailors as a way of staying physically fit and a source of recreation. Young and enthusiastic children of the Sea Cadet Corps present this dance to us.
HAWK DEMO
Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft are used for basic and advanced training of fighter pilots before they graduate to carrier based fighter. These aircraft are very versatile and have the capability to undertake both ground attack and air defence.
MH FLARE FIRING
The MH-60 R is a multi-role helicopter, deployed by the Indian Navy for Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare and SAR including medical evacuation. These aircraft are an integral part of fleet operations, enhancing combat potential at sea.
MIG 29K DEMO
The MIG 29K is a carrier based multi role fighter aircraft. This aircraft can undertake anti-shipping as also land attack missions. It plays a crucial role in Fleet Air Defence at sea.
ANTI SUBMARINE ROCKET FIRING
The Anti-Submarine Rockets are fired against enemy submarines and are designed to explode at pre-decided depth. These rockets damage the hull of a submarine rendering it disabled of destroyed.
COMPOSITE FLY PAST
To showcase different types of aircraft that the Indian Navy operates, we will see a Flypast consisting of all types of aircraft of the Eastern Naval Command operating from Naval Air Bases at Visakhapatnam and Arakkonam.
BEATING RETREAT
Beating retreat is a military tradition from the days when troops disengaged from battle at sunset. Ás soon as Buglers sounded the Retreat, troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms and withdrew from the battlefield to rest and prepare for the next day’s battle.
CEREMONIAL SUNSET
The ceremonial sunset is a time honoured tradition of the Indian Navy. Conducted at sunset, this majestic and solemn ceremony features a synchronised display of drill, music, and Flag lowering, symbolising the Navy’s credo of Duty, Honour and Courage.
CONTINUITY DRILL
The continuity drill is a precision drill performed by the Indian Navy’s ceremonial guard, showcasing seamless coordination and teamwork. This intricate drill, characterised by synchronised rifle movements and precise timing, exemplifies the Navy’s discipline and unwavering commitment to protect the nation as a credible fighting force.
ANTI-AIR FIRINGS
The firing of parachute illumination bombs by the warships of Eastern Fleet, to simulate close range anti air firing. This firing is also a formidable line of defence’ against enemy aircraft and missiles.
The Indian Navy is working closely with the state government and local authorities to ensure smooth organisation of the event. Seating arrangements would be made to accommodate local spectators and tourists, offering everyone a chance to witness the live demonstration from the beach, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The event will also be broadcast live on National television and streamed via the Indian Navy’s YouTube channel to reach a wider audience, it added.
