In an apparent effort to test its operational preparedness and try out new strategies, the Indian Navy is set to launch an exercise in the Arabian Sea. A naval spokesperson said that the exercise will keep a chance to Indian Navy to check assets of the Mumbai-based Western Naval Command. "With the withdrawal of the monsoon and improved sea conditions,this is the right time to test our operational preparedness, validate procedures and try out new strategies and concepts of naval operations",the naval spokesperson was quoted as saying by ANI.

The spokesperson added that live-firing drills, helicopteroperations from ships, operational logistics and communication standardoperating procedures (SOP) will be core of these planned exercises which willhelp in improving the operational skills and testing of training efficacy.

"It is customary for the Navy to gear up for exercises and deployments immediately following the monsoon season, taking advantage ofimproved conditions at sea. This is the ideal time to fine-tune our deployment concepts, test communication plans, exercise contingencies at sea and validateour inputs towards better maritime domain awareness", the navals pokesperson noted.

It is to be noted that the Indian Navy is a force to reckonwith in the Arabian Sea as it carries out anti-piracy operations in the Gulf ofAden. The Indian Navy is also a part of Operation Sankalp off the Gulf of Oman.The Mumbai-based Western Naval Command also concluded an offshore security andcontingency exercise code-named `Prasthan` on October 17.