Cairo

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sumedha has arrived in Egypt for ‘Exercise Bright Star-23′, the largest joint military exercise ever conducted in the Middle East and North Africa region.

The exercise, which will last for two weeks, will involve activities such as cross-deck visits, professional exchanges, sporting fixtures, and negotiations.

The sea phase will involve complex and high-intensity exercises, including cross-deck flying, anti-surface and anti-air exercises, and live weapon firing exercises. The Indian Navy will enhance interoperability and benefit from best practices in maritime security operations from its partner countries.

This is the first participation of the Indian Navy in Ex Bright Star, which will also involve naval ships from other friendly foreign navies. The exercise aims to confirm the participating navies’ ability to work together as an integrated force and contribute to maritime security and global stability through cooperative training and mutual understanding.

INS Sumedha, commanded by Commander MC Chandeep, is the third ship of the indigenously built Saryu Class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels (NOPVs), capable of long-range, weapons, sensors, and helicopter mounting.