In news –A joint maritime exercise Paschim Lehar (XPL-2022) conducted by the Indian Navy off the West Coast was concluded on 25 January 2022.
About the Exercise Paschim Lehar (XPL)
- XPL-2022 was conducted over a duration of 20 days with an objective to validate operational plans of the Western Naval Command (HQs- Mumbai).
- It also aims to enhance Inter-Service synergy among the Indian Navy, IAF, Indian Army and Coast Guard.
- The exercise was conducted under the aegis of Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief(FOC-in-C).
- The intra-theatre exercise included mobilization and participation of over 40 ships and submarines of the Indian Navy.
- Various elements of the Indian Army including Air Defence batteries were also mobilised for the exercise.
- After a long gap, many OPVs, FPVs and Air Cushion Vessels of the Coast Guard also participated in exercise Paschim Lehar.
- The exercise provided all participating forces an opportunity to operate together under realistic conditions, in responding to contemporary maritime challenges, across the areas of the Command’s responsibility.
Other Naval commands and their Headquarters-
Apart from Western Command there are two other command of Indian Navy, they are:
- Established in 1968, the Eastern Naval Command is headquartered in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It is responsible for all naval forces in the Bay of Bengal and parts of the Indian Ocean and the naval establishments on the east coast of India.
- Southern Naval Command has its headquarters in Kochi, Kerala at INS Venduruthy. It is the Training Command of the Indian Navy.
These commands are commanded by a Three Star Flag Officer of the rank of Vice Admiral with the title(FOC-in-C).
Source: PIB
