Indian Navy, Army, IAF conduct 20-day joint maritime exercise at Arabian Sea

Context

The Indian Navy conducted a 20-day joint maritime exercise Paschim Lehar at the Arabian Sea to "validate operational plans" of the Western Naval Command and enhance inter-service synergy among the Navy, Air Force, Army and Coast Guard.

Key-highlights

• Name: Paschim Lehar
• Type: Joint maritime exercise
• Participants: Navy, Air Force, Army and Coast Guard
• Place: western coast in the Arabian Sea.
• Deployment: Over 40 ships and submarines, IAF's SU 30 MKI and Jaguar maritime strike aircraft deployed along with flight refuelling aircraft and airborne warning and controlling systems.
• Indian Navy’s maritime reconnaissance aircraft P8i, Dorniers, IL 38 SD, unmanned aerial systems and MiG 29K strike aircraft were also part of the aerial assets deployed.
• Various elements of the Indian Army, including air defence batteries were also mobilised for the exercise. 

A new theatre command model

• The Indian military is looking at a new theatre command model for an integrated approach to warfare. 
• Four commands have been planned as of now — two for land and one each for air and maritime operations.
• As per the plan, the land commands can include the western theatre that will take care of Pakistan and will be based in Jaipur. 
• The eastern theatre will be focusing on China and can be based in Kolkata or Lucknow. 
• The air defence command can be in Jodhpur, Gandhinagar or Allahabad, while the maritime command can be in Karwar.