The Indian Armed Forces successfully concluded their largest biennial tri-services amphibious exercise, Amphex 2025, on 31 January at Kwada Bay in Karwar. The exercise, conducted from 12 to 31 January, showcased the synergy, interoperability, and combat readiness of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in executing large-scale joint operations under challenging conditions.
In a statement, the Indian Navy remarked: “Amphex 2025 successfully demonstrated the amphibious capabilities and validated the unparalleled synergy and jointmanship that exists between the three services to execute the complete spectrum of complex amphibious operations.”
Held every two years, Amphex brings together the collective might of the Indian Armed Forces. The Indian Navy participated with its amphibious ships, including large platform docks, Landing Ships, Landing Craft, and the elite Marine Commandos (MARCOS), supported by helicopters and aircraft. The Indian Army fielded troops from its Special Forces, Artillery units, and armoured vehicles, while the Indian Air Force (IAF) contributed fighter jets and transport aircraft for the exercise.
The exercise coincided with the Navy’s Theatre-level Operational Readiness Exercise (Tropex), enhancing the integration between maritime and amphibious operations.
The Navy described the exercise as a showcase of seamless coordination, rigorous training, and integrated mission planning. Key participants included the amphibious ‘Bisons’ of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps (Southern Command) and various naval vessels.
During a demonstration aboard the INS Jalashwa, the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) and Vice Chiefs of all three Services observed a series of impressive live-action drills showcasing the Armed Forces’ capabilities. The exercises featured the 91 Infantry Brigade conducting amphibious landings while MARCOS units executed intense bunker-busting operations and precision combat free-fall jumps. Troops and BMP Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) were skillfully deployed using Landing Craft Mechanised (LCM) and Landing Craft Assault (LCA), establishing a tactical beachhead to secure operational objectives.
“This comprehensive exercise highlighted the seamless integration of maritime precision, airpower, and ground combat tactics, illustrating the Armed Forces’ proficiency in executing joint amphibious operations with remarkable efficiency,” the statement stated.
Amphibious Landing – An embodiment of joint operations!
Onboard #INSJalashwa, the senior officers witnessed an amphibious landing by the 91 Infantry Brigade. The exercise progressed through Bunker-Busting, Combat-Free Fall by Marine Commandos of the #IndianNavy, and the landing… https://t.co/a3oouU0yPg pic.twitter.com/bZH7ArsuGE
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) January 31, 2025
A significant highlight of Amphex 2025 was the engagement of senior military leaders during the joint phase of Tropex, held aboard the Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant off India’s western coast on 30 January. Among the distinguished attendees were Lt Gen Johnson P Mathew, CISC; Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of Army Staff; Vice Admiral K Swaminathan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff; Air Marshal SP Dharkar, Vice Chief of Air Staff; and Lt Gen Ajay Kumar, Director General Infantry.
Notably, Air Marshal SP Dharkar who took to the skies in a MiG-29K trainer aircraft, gaining valuable insights into maritime aviation operations. This engagement offered senior military leaders an in-depth understanding of maritime joint operations and highlighted the pivotal role of the Navy in the nation’s defence strategy.
Team BharatShakti