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The strategic tri-forces command at the Andamans & Nicobar Islands saw one of the best tree-top level air-runs of Jaguar fighter jets. It was exercise Dweep Shakti-2023 was in operation in full throttle.

Exercise ‘Dweep Shakti’ held at the Andamans Islands saw Jaguar fighter jet in action.

Jaguars are deep penetration jets which can fly at tree-top level and this is  exactly what happened at Andaman & Nicobar Islands tri-forces command centre.

The IAF’s ‘Dragons’ were in action in combat simulation at location near the Chinese presence at choke-point in Strait of Malacca

The Andaman Nicobar Command is an exclusive tri-service theatre command of  Army, Navy and the Air Force

Exercise DweepShakri-2023 showcased India’s prowess of strategic dominance in South-Asian sea waters.The IAF’s No. 6 Squadron, ‘The Dragons,’ are now at the ANC command centre.

 

Forming part of a India’s Blue Water Strategy for complete dominance from Gulf of Suez to Strait of Malacca various defence and strategic assets are being placed along the archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The ANC post is located very near to the entry point of the Strait of Malacca, a gateway to the South China Sea and a choke point for the Chinese Naval movements.

The northernmost point of the 572 islands is only 22 nautical miles away from Myanmar, and its southernmost point is a mere 90 nautical miles from Indonesia.

The islands control the Bay of Bengal, the Six Degree, and the Ten Degree channels, which over 60,000 commercial vessels use.

The Indian government is developing the islands’ military assets as part of a 10-year infrastructure development.

The Campbell Bay (INS Baaz) runway in the south will be extended to 10,000 feet to support operations by larger aircraft. Another 10,000-foot runway is planned at Kamorta.

India has been deploying its Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Jaguar Maritime fighter jets in the islands.

The Indian Navy’s Poseidon submarine hunters P-8Is also operate from here. The military infrastructure development is to enable the permanent deployment of these assets from here.

Besides military assets, India is also developing civilian infrastructure in the islands. A trans-shipment hub planned in Campbell Bay will be close to the Malacca Strait and the East-West shipping route connecting Europe and Africa with Asia.

Its proximity to Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, and Indonesia also gives it a further advantage. Most recently, India inaugurated the Chennai-Andaman and Nicobar undersea internet cable to provide a high-speed internet connection to seven remote island chains.