Thiruvananthapuram, December 3
The Indian Navy is set to celebrate Navy Day 2025 with a breathtaking Operational Demonstration (Op Demo) at Shangumugham Beach this evening at 4:30 pm, promising an extraordinary showcase of its air, surface, and sub-surface capabilities. With President Draupadi Murmu in attendance, thousands are expected to witness a dazzling display of skill, coordination, and precision, highlighting the Navy’s multi-dimensional operational strength.
The event will commence with the arrival of Chief Guest Murmu, followed by a ceremonial salute by an MH-60R helicopter, setting the stage for an action-packed evening. Warships will perform the striking Manoeuvre ‘W’, closing in on the beachfront and firing flares in salute, while Chetak helicopters soar past in banner formation, carrying the National Flag and the Naval Ensign. Hawk AJT aircraft will execute the dramatic Bomb Burst manoeuvre, showcasing their ground-attack agility.
Audiences will witness Visit, Board, Search & Seizure (VBSS) and helicopter-borne insertion operations by MARCOS, demonstrating the Navy’s expertise in counter maritime threat missions. 1241 RE missile vessels of the famed Killer Squadron will recreate combat scenarios with a simulated missile launch using flares. The demonstration will also feature submarines conducting a silent yet powerful sail past, complemented by high-speed runs by Fast Interception Crafts (FIC) and Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts (WJFAC).
The Small Team Insertion and Extraction (STIE) drill will highlight the precision of demolition teams inserting via assault boats and extracting while underslung from helicopters. The skies will be alive with Hawk AJT combat manoeuvres and an impressive carrier-borne aviation display, as MiG-29K Black Panthers simulate launch and recovery operations from an aircraft carrier. A Helo Landing Demo on a moving ship will showcase unparalleled flying skill and ship-handling coordination. Chetak helicopters will perform a synchronised display emphasising their roles in logistics, medical evacuation, and search-and-rescue operations.
The underwater arm will demonstrate its might through an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) rocket firing, followed by a grand Composite Fly Past featuring aircraft from multiple naval air stations and ships, underscoring the precision and capability of naval aviation. Adding maritime elegance, sail training ships INS Tarangini and INS Sudarshini will glide past the dais in the Sail Past Demo. The evening will also feature the Hornpipe Dance by Sea Cadet Corps children, a ceremonial Beating Retreat, and a vibrant cultural programme celebrating Kerala’s rich heritage. The Navy’s ceremonial guard will perform a flawless Continuity Drill, highlighting discipline and teamwork.
As night falls, naval ships at anchorage will illuminate the coastline in a stunning Illumination of Ships, with flares fired in sequence to close the event with a spectacular flourish. Guided by the Government of India’s maritime vision MAHASAGAR, Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region, the Indian Navy continues its commitment to safeguarding national maritime interests, Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow. Today’s Op Demo offers the public a rare glimpse into this powerful, multi-dimensional force.
