The 4th edition of Bilateral Exercise between Indian Navy and Bangladesh Navy, BONGOSAGAR-23, and the 5th edition of Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) by the two navies was conducted in the Northern Bay of Bengal from 07 - 09 Nov 2023.
Ships and aircraft from both navies undertook joint patrolling along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), and subsequently conducted maritime exercises to enhance interoperability.
Indian Navy Ships Kuthar, Kiltan and Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) Dornier participated in the exercise along with Bangladesh Navy Ships Abu Bakr, Abu Ubaidah and MPA.
The ships undertook communication drills, surface gun-shoots, tactical manoeuvres and other exercises that culminated with a steam past. CORPAT-23 also included the maiden Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) drills conducted between the two navies wherein a Search and Rescue scenario at sea was exercised.
Regular bilateral exercises and coordinated patrols have strengthened mutual understanding and cooperation between the two navies.
INS Kuthar is an indigenously built guided-missile Corvette, whereas INS Kiltan is an indigenously built anti-submarine Corvette.
Both ships are part of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam, which functions under the operational command of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.
Key Takeaways
• The 4th edition of bilateral naval exercise between India and Bangladesh, BONGOSAGAR-23, was conducted in the Northern Bay of Bengal from 07 - 09 Nov 2023. The 5th edition of Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) by the two navies was also conducted in the Northern Bay of Bengal during the same period.
• Indian Navy Ships Kuthar, Kiltan and Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) Dornier participated in the exercise along with Bangladesh Navy Ships Abu Bakr, Abu Ubaidah and MPA.
• The third edition of Exercise Bongosagar, between Indian Navy and Bangladesh Navy, was held at Port Mongla, Bangladesh in 2022.
• The first edition was held in 2019.
• The Aim of bilateral exercise: To develop interoperability and joint operational skills through the conduct of a wide spectrum of maritime exercises and operations.
