Indian Navy undertook bilateral exercise ‘Zayed Talwar 2021’ with United Arab Emirates (UAE) Navy on 07 August 2021 off the coast of Abu Dhabi. Indian Navy INS Kochi, with two integral Sea King MK 42B helicopters, deployed in the Persian Gulf, participated in the exercise. UAE participated with UAES AL Dhafra, a Baynunah class guided missile corvette and one AS – 565B Panther helicopter.
As part of the exercise, the ships undertook tactical manoeuvres, Over the Horizon Targeting, Search and Rescue and Electronic Warfare exercises to enhance interoperability and synergy between the two navies. Helicopters were extensively used all through the exercise ranging from Search and Rescue serial to passing of targeting data to ships for simulated missile engagement drills.
INS Kochi (D64) is the second ship of the Kolkata-class stealth guided-missile destroyers built under the code name Project 15A for the Indian Navy. She was constructed by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. After undergoing extensive sea trials, she was commissioned to Indian Navy service on 30 September 2015. INS Kochi is the largest India-made warship, till the time of its commissioning.
The Baynunah class are corvettes for the United Arab Emirates Navy. This class is based on the CMN Group’s Combattante BR70 design. The lead ship, Baynunah, is named after the Baynunah region in Abu Dhabi. Six ships are planned for this class at a total price of US $820 million. Platform and combat systems trials are expected to continue through 2011, after which time the lead ship will be delivered to the UAE Navy.
