The Indian Navy has sent the INS Satpura and the P81 maritime patrol aircraft to Australia to participate in the multinational naval exercise Kakadu which is being organised by the Royal Australian Navy.
According to a statement from the Indian government, the two week-long exercise involves ships and maritime aircraft from 20 countries. It will be held both in harbour and on the sea.
This year’s Exercise Kakadu 2022 will be one of the biggest with more than 15 vessels, more than 30 aircraft and 3,000 personnel from more than 20 countries. It is being led by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and is supported by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
Talking about the naval exercise, the Australian Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, said: “The theme for this year’s exercise is ‘Partnership, Leadership, Friendship’ and we aim to demonstrate that in spades over 15 days of intense activity at sea and ashore”
He added that exercise Kakadu is the Australian Navy’s “most significant international engagement activity and is vital for building relationships between participating countries”.
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