Two Indian Navy ships, the aircraft carrier Vikramaditya and destroyer Mysore are on an official visit to Colombo, Sri Lanka from January 21 – 23.
The ships are part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet based at Mumbai. During the visit, the warships will be interacting with the Sri Lankan Navy with the aim of further enhancing the co-operation between the two Navies.
On departure from Colombo, the ships will participate in a Passage Exercise with the Sri Lankan Navy.
The Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, Rear Admiral Ravneet Singh, NM, is flying his flag onboard the Vikramaditya which is commanded by Captain Krishna Swaminathan while INS Mysore is commanded by Capt M Paul Samuel.
India and Sri Lanka are close maritime neighbours with close defence and diplomatic relations. The two navies regularly interact during Exercise SLINEX, which is held every alternate year. Indian Navy also hosts a number of trainees from the Sri Lankan Navy in various professional schools.
INS Vikramaditya is one of the two aircraft carriers operated by the Indian Navy. The ship is equipped with a variety of integral weapons and sensors and operates a range of aircraft, such as the MiG 29K fighters, KM 31 AEW helicopters, multi-role Seakings and utility Chetaks. The ship is over 285 meters long and 60 meters wide. She is accompanied by the indigenously constructed frontline missile destroyer INS Mysore.
[mappress mapid=”17617″]