Indo-Korean Coast Guard Exercise off Chennai

Chennai, June 7: Coast Guard teams of India and Korea are warming up for a joint exercise codenamed 'Sahyog-Hyeobleod-2016.'

According to Ministry of Defence (MoD) officials, the exercise is being scheduled in the Bay of Bengal, off Chennai between June 8 and 11.

MoD officials say the exercise is to strengthen the working level relationship between the two Coast Guards and also refine the joint operating procedures.

Indian and Korean Coast Guards have been conducting combined exercises in the last 12 years following a Memorandum of Understanding inked in 2004.

Since then, the floating assets of both maritime forces have held exchanges in the form of combined exercises.

"These exercises are scheduled every year alternately between the two countries. Last year ISGS Sarang visited Korea and now Korean Coast Guard Ship 3009 is visiting India for the latest mission," says an official.

The highlight of this year's exercise is a mock anti-piracy mission in which a 'hijacked' vessel is rescued in combined operation by teams from both countries.

Interdiction of pirate vessel, joint boarding operation, Search and Rescue demonstration and external fire fighting methods are some of the features of the exercise.

The exercise would be witnessed by ICG Director General Rajendra Singh and Honglk-Tae, Commissioner General of Korea Coast Guard.

The Korean delegation would also witness the air prowess of ICG aircraft.

OneIndia News