Culmination of Indian Navy’s Theatre Level Operational Exercise (TROPEX) 2025

The Theatre Level Operational Exercise (TROPEX) 2025, the Indian Navy’s premier large-scale combat drill, was conducted over three months from January to March 2025. The exercise aimed to validate operational concepts, test combat readiness, and enhance joint-force coordination. Set in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), including the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, the exercise involved extensive participation from Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), and Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

Key Highlights of TROPEX 2025

1. Exercise Structure & Phases

• Amphibious Exercise (AMPHEX): Focused on coordinated land-sea operations.
• Joint Work-Up Phase: Emphasized precise ordnance delivery on targets.
• Cyber & Electronic Warfare: Strengthened defensive and offensive cyber capabilities.
• Tactical Phase: Assessed combat readiness and response capabilities.

2. Scope & Scale of the Exercise

Geographical Coverage

• North-South: 4,300 nautical miles (nm) up to 35° South Latitude.
• West-East: 5,000 nm from Strait of Hormuz to Sunda & Lombok Straits.

Naval Assets Deployed

• 65-70 Indian Naval ships.
• 9-10 submarines.
• 80+ aircraft of various types.

3. Joint Forces Participation

• Indian Air Force (IAF)
• Sukhoi-30, Jaguar, C-130, AWACS, and Flight Refueller aircraft.
• Indian Army
• 600+ Infantry troops.
• Indian Coast Guard (ICG):
• More than 10 ICG ships.

4. Key Achievements

• Enhanced Interoperability: Strengthened coordination between Navy, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
• Operational Synergy: Successfully simulated theatre-level war scenarios.
• Combat Readiness Assessment: Evaluated the Navy’s ability to handle multifaceted threats.
• Future-Ready Force: Reinforced the Navy’s preparedness for modern naval warfare.

5. Strategic Significance

• Defending India’s Maritime Interests: Improved security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Showcasing India’s Naval Strength: Demonstrated India’s blue-water naval capabilities.
• Preparedness for Evolving Threats: Assessed combat readiness against emerging challenges, including cyber warfare.

6. Conclusion

• TROPEX 2025 reaffirmed the Indian Navy’s commitment to being a Combat-ready, Credible, Cohesive, and Future-ready Force.
• The exercise successfully tested operational strategies, integrated joint-force capabilities, and ensured India’s maritime security and defense preparedness.