Indian and Sri Lankan navies began their annual exercise ‘SLINEX’

The 8th annual joint exercise between Indian and Sri Lankan navies – SLINEX-20 – began today off Trincomalee coast. The 3-day exercise will continue till 21st of October. The Sri Lanka Navy will be represented by SLN Ships Sayura and Gajabahu led by Rear Admiral Bandara Jayathilaka, the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet, Sri Lanka Navy. Indigenously built ASW corvettes Kamorta and Kiltan under the command of Rear Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, will represent the Indian Navy. Defence Ministry said, Indian Navy Advanced Light Helicopter and Chetak helicopter embarked onboard IN ships, and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft will also be participating. SLINEX-20 aims to enhance interoperability, improve mutual understanding and exchange best practices and procedures for multi-faceted maritime operations between both navies.