EXERCISE SLINEX
Introduction
- The SLINEX-24 (Sri Lanka–India Exercise) is a bilateral naval exercise that will be conducted from 17 to 20 December 2024 at Visakhapatnam, under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy.
- The exercise is a key component of the longstanding maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka and has been an annual event since its inception in 2005.
OBJECTIVES OF THE EXERCISE
The primary aim of SLINEX-24 is to enhance bilateral maritime cooperation and interoperability between the navies of India and Sri Lanka. The exercise seeks to:
- Strengthen the maritime ties between both nations.
- Promote a safe, secure, and rules-based maritime environment.
- Improve the operational coordination of the Indian Navy and Sri Lankan Navy through joint exercises.
- Share best practices and professional exchanges to improve both navies’ capabilities.
PHASES OF THE EXERCISE
SLINEX-24 will be conducted in two distinct phases:
- Harbour Phase (17–18 December 2024):
- This phase will take place at the harbor in Visakhapatnam.
- Participants will engage in professional and social exchanges, aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and fostering goodwill between the Indian and Sri Lankan naval personnel.
- Objective: Strengthen interpersonal relationships and professional interaction between the two navies.
- Sea Phase (19–20 December 2024):
- This phase will be conducted at sea, where the focus will shift to practical joint exercises.
- Activities Include:
- Special Forces operations: Joint operations involving elite personnel.
- Gun firings: Training in live-fire exercises for naval personnel.
- Communication drills: Improving communication protocols between the two navies.
- Seamanship practices: Enhancing the sailing and operational capabilities of both forces.
- Navigation evolutions: Conducting advanced navigation and maneuvering drills.
- Helicopter operations: Joint operations involving naval helicopters.
PARTICIPATING UNITS
- India:
- Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sumitra: A Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV), part of the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy, equipped with modern surveillance and defense systems.
- Special Forces team: Personnel from the Indian Navy’s Special Forces (Marine Commandos or MARCOS) will also participate in joint operations.
- Sri Lanka:
- SLNS Sayura: An Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Sri Lanka Navy, designed for coastal and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) patrols.
- Special Forces team: A contingent from the Sri Lanka Navy’s Special Forces will also participate in specialized operations alongside Indian forces.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
- Inception: SLINEX was initiated in 2005 to foster closer defense and maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
- The exercise has since evolved into an important platform for enhancing naval interoperability and professional exchanges between the two countries.
- Expanding Scope: Over the years, SLINEX has expanded in scope, growing from a simple training exercise into a comprehensive bilateral naval cooperation event that now includes:
- Complex special forces drills
- Advanced naval tactics
- Helicopter operations
- Live fire drills
- Search and rescue operations
2024 EDITION FOCUS
- SLINEX-24 aims to further reinforce the already strong maritime ties between India and Sri Lanka.
- The sea phase will specifically enhance interoperability between the two navies, which is essential for maintaining a safe, secure, and rules-based maritime environment.
- The growing scope of the exercise reflects both nations’ commitment to working together to address emerging maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
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