The Indian Navy on Wednesday (August 18, 2021) undertook a bilateral maritime exercise with Vietnam People's Navy (VPN). The Ministry of Defence said that the bilateral interaction aims to consolidate the strong bond shared by the two navies and would be another step towards strengthening India-Vietnam defence relations. Check out the pictures below.
The Indian Navy ships INS Ranvijay and INS Kora undertook bilateral maritime exercise with Vietnam People's Navy frigate VPNS Ly Thai To(HQ-012).
INS Ranvijay is a guided-missile destroyer and the latest of the Rajput class. The ship was commissioned in December 1987 and is equipped with an array of weapons and sensors which includes Surface to Surface Missile, Anti Air Missiles and guns, Heavy Weight Torpedoes, Anti Submarine Rockets and capable of carrying Anti Submarine Helicopter (Kamov 28).
"Regular interactions between the two navies over the years have enhanced their interoperability and adaptability. This has ensured a quantum jump in the complexity and scale of professional exchanges," the Ministry of Defence said.
The Indian Naval ships had arrived at Cam Ranh, Vietnam on August 15 for the harbour phase which included professional interactions with VPN. The sea phase included surface warfare exercises, weapon firing drills and helicopter operations.
INS Ranvijay is in company with INS Kora which is the lead ship of Kora class missile corvette. The ship is fitted with Surface-to-Surface missiles and Anti Air Guns.