Why in News
Indian Navy and UK Royal Navy conducted a joint Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the North Arabian Sea, boosting maritime cooperation and strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific.
Key Terms and Concepts
| Term/Concept | Details |
|---|---|
| PASSEX | A joint naval drill between friendly navies during intersecting deployments to enhance interoperability and tactical coordination. |
| INS Tabar | Talwar-class stealth frigate, armed with BrahMos, Barak-1 missiles and advanced warfare capabilities. |
| P-8I Aircraft | Long-range maritime patrol aircraft used for surveillance and anti-submarine warfare, developed by Boeing. |
| SAGAR Vision | India’s maritime vision: Security and Growth for All in the Region. |
Exercise Details
- Involved key Indian platforms: INS Tabar, a submarine, and P-8I aircraft.
- Featured: helicopter operations, joint fleet manoeuvres, anti-submarine warfare, and protocol testing.
- Strengthens India-UK maritime cooperation under the India–UK 2030 Roadmap and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
In a Nutshell
PASSEX = Partnership, Agility, Security, Strategy, EXcellence
Mnemonic: “NAVAL TAP” –
North Arabian Sea
ASW ops
Vision SAGAR
Aircraft P-8I
Link with UK
Tabar stealth
Advanced drills
Partnership 2030.
Prelims Questions
- Which of the following is NOT a feature of a PASSEX?
A. Joint naval drills
B. Signing of defence pacts
C. Tactical manoeuvres
D. Maritime communication testing - INS Tabar is equipped with which of the following missile systems?
A. Agni-III
B. BrahMos
C. Prithvi-II
D. Nirbhay - P-8I aircraft are primarily used for:
A. Cargo transport
B. Anti-submarine warfare
C. Fighter interception
D. Border surveillance
Prelims Answers
| Q | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | PASSEX focuses on drills, not formal agreements like defence pacts. |
| 2 | B | INS Tabar is equipped with BrahMos cruise missiles. |
| 3 | B | P-8I is a maritime patrol aircraft used for anti-submarine operations. |
