Navy’s Operational Demo thrill crowds at Shanghumughom Beach

The coastal waters off Shanghumughom Beach here witnessed thrilling action on Wednesday with warships and aircraft of the Indian Navy captivating audiences with an Operational Demo organised as part of this year’s Navy Day celebrations.

The stars of the show included the indigenously-built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, a MiG 29K fighter jet, destroyers, frigates, fast-attack craft, the Sea King and Chetak helicopters and the submarine INS Shishumar.

Once the President had arrived at the venue, the Operational Demo kicked off with three MH-60R helicopters, flying in from the sea, releasing flares and offering their salute to the President by dipping their noses in flight. They were followed by four Dorniers performing a ‘bomb-burst’ manoeuvre.

Warships closed in on the beach front, firing flares as cheers rose from the crowd that had assembled to watch the display. Fly-pasts by Chetak helicopters, the Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT), demonstrating their attack capabilities, and 1241 RE missile vessels executing simulated missile firing were among the highlights of the evening.

A MiG-29K fighter took off smoothly from the deck of the INS Vikrant and streaked off across the evening sky. It later came about to perform a low overshoot over the carrier’s flight deck. Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers thrilled the crowd with their agility and precision formation flying.

Navy’s Marine Commandos (MARCOS) demonstrated a helicopter-borne insertion operation. Demolition experts displayed small team insertion and extraction (STIE), the capability to insert itself and damage an enemy’s critical infrastructure.

Submarines are a rare sight in Thiruvananthapuram and cheers greeted the INS Shishumar as it sailed past the beach. Indian Navy Sail Training Ships, Tarangini and Sudarshini, glided past the main dais, showcasing traditional seamanship and India’s nautical heritage.

“I am happy to note that the Indian Navy is choosing various cities for operational demonstrations on the Navy Day. It is a welcome step to provide opportunities to the citizens of various parts of the country to witness our Navy’s excellence,” the President said in her speech.

Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, pointed out that the Navy Day is celebrated on December 4 every year to commemorate the Navy’s attack on the Karachi Harbour in the 1971 War. Since 2023, the celebrations have been held outside New Delhi “to reconnect with places of maritime prominence and naval legacy,” he said. “And, it is only fitting that this demonstration is happening in Kerala, as its shores have spoken to the world for many centuries,” Admiral Tripathi said.

The other highlights of the event included a Hornpipe Dance by children from Sea Cadet Corps, performance by the Southern Naval Command Band, a Continuity Drill, illumination on the ships at sea, a fireworks display and the Beating Retreat ceremony.

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