Indian Navy conducts drill at Mumbai airport

The Indian Navy conducted the major drill to test procedures and practices required in the unlikely event of a submarine search, escape and rescue

The Indian Navy conducted a major drill to test procedures and practices, at the Mumbai airport yesterday.

The Simulated Submarine Casualty Exercise (SMASHEX) commenced at 4.30 am near gate number 6 of Mumbai airport. An aircraft, IN238, four containers, two cranes and a forklift were part of it.

Fifty Navy officials participated in the exercise under the supervision of a commander who wound it up at around 6 pm. A senior official said that it had been on for a few days.

Mumbai airport. File pic

SMASHEX is an exercise to test procedures and practices required in the very unlikely event of a submarine search, escape and rescue. It was solely conducted by the Indian Navy without the involvement of security agencies or police.

While the Defence PRO refused to share details, a Navy official said, “Search and rescue operations involve mobilisation of stores by air across the country or to a particular place.

During emergency situations, these materials need to be moved at a quicker pace, hence this exercise involved simulated air transport submarine rescue.”

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