The Indian Navy’s P8I aircraft is participating in Sea Dragon 23, the third edition of a coordinated multilateral anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise for long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft. The United States Navy is hosting the exercise, and the P8I aircraft arrived in Guam, US, on March 14, as per a Navy statement. The exercise, which started on March 15 and runs until March 30, emphasizes coordinated anti-submarine warfare among participating countries. The Navy noted that the complexity and scope of these exercises have grown over the years to include advanced ASW drills. “Ex Sea Dragon 23 will test the capabilities of participating aircraft in tracking simulated and live underwater targets while sharing expertise,” the Navy stated. Along with the P8I, a P8A from the US Navy, P1 from the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force, CP 140 from the Royal Canadian Air Force, and P3C from the RoKN will also take part in the exercise. The exercise aims to enhance synergy and coordination between friendly navies, based on shared values and commitment to an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific region, the Navy added. Recently, the Navy’s INS Sahyadri conducted exercises with the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) ship JS Suzutsuki, an Akizuki Class Destroyer in the Arabian Sea. The exercise aimed to strengthen their shared commitment to regional and global security challenges and included cross-deck landings by helicopters, tactical manoeuvres, and a customary steampast by the ships.
