Amid the recent spate of attacks on merchant vessels, the Indian Navy has now deployed a total of four destroyers, one frigate and one P-8I long-range patrol aircraft in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden to ensure maritime security.
Predator Drone has also been deployed for surveillance in the Arabian Sea, sources in the Indian Navy told CNN-News18. Additionally, Dornier and helicopters have also been tasked with maritime surveillance and security.
India’s decision to tighten the security in north/central Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden comes after the frequent attacks on merchant ships in the region. The attacks on the Maltese-flagged MV Ruen and the Liberian-flagged MV Chem Pluto are all the more reason for upping the surveillance measures.
The Indian Navy, in response to these incidents, has deployed task groups comprising destroyers and frigates to undertake maritime security operations, while also assisting merchant vessels in the region.
P-8I, long-range maritime patrol aircraft and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) has been enhanced to have a complete maritime domain awareness.
To ensure effective surveillance of Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Indian Navy is working in close coordination with Coast Guard.
On December 26, the Indian Navy added INS Mormugao to the two already deployed warships — INS Kochi and INS Kolkata — in the region. This deployment came two days after MV Chem Pluto was hit by a drone off the Indian coastline in the Arabian Sea.
“Considering the recent spate of attacks in the Arabian Sea, Indian Navy has deployed guided missile destroyers, INS Mormugao, INS Kochi and INS Kolkata, in various areas to maintain a deterrent presence,” the official said.
Indian Navy is also working with other national maritime agencies to monitor the overall situation and ensure safety of the merchant vessels.
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