New Delhi, Oct 15 (NationPress) The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted a collaborative exercise with the United Kingdom Royal Navy over the Indian Ocean Region, showcasing the increasing synergy between the two military forces, as reported by the IAF on Wednesday.

The operation took place on October 14, featuring the IAF's Sukhoi-30 MKIs, Jaguars, AWACS, and AEW&C aircraft working in unison with the Royal Navy's F-35B fighter jets launched from HMS Prince of Wales.

As stated by the IAF, this joint drill aimed to bolster interoperability, enhance mutual trust, and refine operational coordination between both air forces.

This exercise also reaffirmed the shared dedication of India and the United Kingdom towards upholding regional peace, security, and stability.

In a post shared on X, the IAF noted, "On 14 Oct 25, IAF Sukhoi-30 MKIs, Jaguars, AWACS & AEW&C aircraft cooperated with Royal Navy F-35Bs from HMS Prince of Wales for a joint exercise over the Indian Ocean Region. The training fortified interoperability, mutual trust, and our collective commitment to regional stability."

The aerial combat training followed the successful conclusion of the maritime phase of the bilateral exercise KONKAN 25 between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy on October 8.

During KONKAN 25, both naval forces executed a variety of intricate maritime operations, including tactical air warfare, air defense, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, as well as underway replenishment.

The maritime phase consisted of coordinated maneuvers concentrated on anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare, along with advanced aerial operations.

The F-35B Lightning stealth fighters and MiG-29K jets performed aerial maneuvers, culminating in a flypast and photoshoot to celebrate the successful completion of this phase.

A joint submarine hunt was also conducted, with an Indian Navy submarine attempting to evade detection by UK warships and helicopters, including the Merlin Mk2s stationed on HMS Prince of Wales and the frigate HMS Richmond, in addition to the P8 Neptune Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

The ships of the United Kingdom's Carrier Strike Group (UK CSG 25) made a stop in Mumbai (HMS Richmond) and Goa (HMS Prince of Wales) as part of their operational mission.

On the Indian front, the Navy deployed its aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, destroyers INS Surat, INS Mormugao, and INS Kolkata, frigates INS Tabar and INS Teg, and fleet tanker INS Deepak, along with P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft and additional assets, including submarines.

Other vessels participating from the UK CSG in KONKAN 25 included Japan's JS Akebono and Norway's HNoMS Roald Amundsen, highlighting the increasing multinational collaboration aimed at ensuring a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region.