Indian Navy On High Alert: Task Groups Deployed, Surveillance Heightened In Wake Of Arabian Sea Security Concerns

In response to multiple attacks on merchant ships in the Central/North Arabian Sea this month, the Indian Navy has heightened surveillance efforts and increased force levels in the region according to a report from The Indian Express.

Task Groups, consisting of destroyers and frigates, have been deployed for maritime security operations, and aerial surveillance using long-range maritime patrol aircraft and RPAs has been intensified.

The Navy is closely collaborating with the Coast Guard for effective surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The statement from Navy stated: “Task Groups comprising destroyers and frigates have been deployed to undertake maritime security operations and render assistance to merchant vessels in case of any incident. Aerial surveillance by long-range maritime patrol aircraft and RPAs has been enhanced to have a complete maritime domain awareness. Towards effective surveillance of EEZ, Indian Navy is operating in close coordination with Coast Guard.”

On 23 December, a drone attack occurred on the chemical tanker MV Chem Pluto, and a piracy incident involved the MV Ruen approximately 700 miles from the Indian coast.

A joint investigation into the drone attack is underway after the vessel reached the Indian coast.