WATCH: INS Sumedha Participates In 6-Nation Exercise Bright Star

INS Sumedha arrived at Port Alexandria on Sept 6 to participate in the exercise which included 34 other countries making it the largest joint military exercise in the Middle East and North Africa.

INS Sumedha exercised with Navies of Egypt, Italy, Greece, Cyprus & Qatar in the Mediterranean Sea.

Source : PIB/Ministry of Defence

Indian Navy Ship (INS) Sumedha participated in Exercise Bright Star along with the navies of Egypt, Italy, Qatar, Cyprus and Greece in the Mediterranean Sea. The Indian Navy said these exercises help exchange the best practices when it comes to maritime security. The Navy also shared a glimpse of the activities that took place during the Exercise Bright Star-23 in its maiden participation. Taking to social media platform X, the Indian Navy said, “#BrightStar23 #INSSumedha exercised with Navies of Egypt, Italy, Greece, Cyprus & Qatar, #MediterraneanSea 03-15 Sep 23.”

The exercise also allowed collaborative training and infrastructure rounds to ensure maritime security, it added.

“Enhancing interoperability, the Ex allowed exchange of best practices & collaborative trg for ensuring #maritimesecurity – – – – – #BridgesofFriendship,” Indian Navy wrote. 

#BrightStar23#INSSumedha exercised with Navies of Egypt, Italy, Greece, Cyprus & Qatar, #MediterraneanSea 03-15 Sep 23
Enhancing interoperability, the Ex allowed exchange of best practices & collaborative trg for ensuring #maritimesecurity
🇮🇳-🇪🇬-🇮🇹-🇨🇾-🇶🇦-🇬🇷 #BridgesofFriendship pic.twitter.com/7kpS7HkdyJ

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) September 15, 2023

INS Sumedha arrived at Port Alexandria in Egypt on September 6 to participate in the exercise. The multinational Tri-Services military exercise saw participation from 34 countries which is the largest joint military exercise ever held in the Middle East and North Africa region.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Defence, INS Sumedha, which is commanded by Commander MC Chandeep, is the third largest ship that was indigenously built in the Saryu class Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels (NOPV). It possesses long endurance and is fitted with requisite weapons, sensors, and is capable of embarking an integral helicopter. It can be deployed for a variety of operation missions, the statement added.

Exercise Bright Star-23 was conducted in two phases, the Harbour Phase which involved a wide range of activities including, cross-deck visits, professional exchanges and sports fixtures. The Sea Phase included high-intensity exercises such as anti-surface, anti-air exercises including, live weapon firing drills. 

Exercise Bright Star-23 took place over the span of two weeks and "encompassed intense operations and training which reaffirmed the ability of the navies as it operated together with integrated force and highlighted their commitment to maritime security and global stability through collaborative training and mutual understanding", the release from the Ministry state.