Kochi: In a dramatic display of military might, the Indian Navy showcased its amphibious warfare capabilities with the tank landing ship INS Shardul conducting a series of exercises off the Kochi coast ahead of the Navy Day celebrations scheduled for December 4. The demonstration, taking place 25 nautical miles off the coast, aimed to highlight the strategic and combat roles of the INS Shardul, which serves as a formidable asset in the Navy’s operations.
The INS Shardul is designed to transport a variety of military cargo, capable of carrying over 12 armored vehicles and several tanks, depending on their size. Additionally, it possesses the ability to store approximately 1,100 tonnes of fuel, enabling it to supply other vessels in need while on duty. Its tactical versatility extends to hosting multiple Landing Craft Assault (LCA) units, essential for troop movement from ships to hostile shorelines, alongside rigid inflatable boats (RIB) for specialized operations.
During the exercise, Navy officers illustrated the capabilities of INS Shardul in both offensive and training scenarios. One of the highlights included the deployment of a visit board search and seizure (VBSS) team, which was showcased by lowering an RIB into the water. The commandos executed a boarding maneuver on a mock suspect vessel, demonstrating techniques for conducting thorough searches and inspections. The exercise also included the use of long-range acoustic devices (LRADs) designed to issue warnings in multiple languages, contributing to the ship’s tactical communication capabilities.
The training session emphasized the importance of emergency response protocols, including managing potential flooding incidents aboard the ship. Commander Devidas Bhandary, the captain of INS Shardul, emphasized that the ship primarily functions as an amphibious platform, capable of embarking army troops along with their equipment, and is prepared to undertake various roles such as a hospital ship, conducting evacuation operations, or providing assistance during natural disasters on short notice.
Commander Bhandary elaborated on the goal of the demonstration, stating, “As part of Navy week, we are trying to showcase the maritime capabilities of India in a very short time frame. The demonstration included the kind of activities that we undertake and the kind of security that we provide at sea.” Furthermore, INS Shardul plays a key role in training navy officers from allied nations, with personnel from the Ghana Navy and the Sri Lankan Navy participating in the exercise.
Adding to the naval operations, INS Sujata, under the command of Commander Rajneesh Kumar, was also involved in the exercises, further highlighting the collaborative nature of the Indian Navy’s operations. The exercises not only serve to bolster India’s amphibious and maritime capabilities but also showcase the Navy’s commitment to maintaining regional security and fostering international partnerships.
