Karwar: The largest biennial tri-services exercise, AMPHEX, successfully concluded at Karwar in Karnataka. The exercise showcased the joint capabilities and interoperability of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in executing large-scale integrated operations under challenging conditions. The review of the exercise was conducted jointly by Lieutenant General Johnson P. Mathew, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee, along with the Vice Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Comprehensive Multi-Dimensional Drills
Held from January 12 to 31 in the Quada Bay of Karwar, the exercise featured amphibious ships led by the Landing Platform Dock INS Jalashwa, along with Landing Ships INS Gharial and INS Kesari. These vessels, supported by landing crafts, Marine Commandos, helicopters, and aircraft, participated in amphibious assault operations followed by the landing of ground forces. The successful demonstration of amphibious capabilities validated the unique synergy and joint operational skills among the three services to execute complex amphibious missions seamlessly.
Senior officials observed the seaborne landing of the 91 Infantry Brigade from INS Jalashwa, marking a significant highlight of the exercise.
Rigorous Training and Tactical Operations
AMPHEX involved rigorous training activities including bunker-busting, combat free-fall operations, and coordinated landings of troops using Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM) and Landing Craft Assault (LCA) vehicles, along with BMP infantry fighting vehicles. The exercise culminated in the establishment of a secured beachhead, demonstrating flawless coordination, intensive training, and integrated mission planning by the Sudarshan Chakra Corps in conjunction with the Indian Navy’s amphibious unit, Bison.
High-Level Military Observations
Distinguished military leaders, including Lieutenant General Johnson P. Mathew, Vice Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General N.S. Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral K. Swaminathan, Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal S.P. Dharkar, and Director General of Infantry Lieutenant General Ajay Kumar, observed the joint phase of the exercise from the deck of INS Vikrant off the western coast.
AMPHEX 2024 highlighted India’s growing amphibious warfare capabilities and the seamless integration of its tri-services in ensuring operational readiness for diverse combat scenarios. The previous edition of the exercise was held in January 2023 at Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
