Indian Navy showcases multi-domain combat capabilities at Kerala Coast on Navy Day

Navy Day 2025 was celebrated with a spectacular operational demonstration by the Indian Navy at Shanmugham Beach in Thiruvananthapuram the first time the annual event was held on Kerala’s coast. Thousands lined the beachfront to witness an impressive display of India’s maritime strength, technological capability and multi-domain combat readiness.

The venue was chosen to reflect the Navy’s expanding presence across the southern peninsula and the Arabian Sea, a strategically significant maritime region. This year’s celebration was also part of a broader effort to showcase naval capabilities to the public across more coastal states, moving beyond its long-standing base for Navy Day events in Visakhapatnam.

President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, attended the event as the chief guest. She was joined by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Union Minister Suresh Gopi, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. Defence attachés from several countries and senior naval officers were also present.

Nineteen major warships including INS Vikrant, INS Kolkata, INS Imphal and INS Udaygiri along with 32 aircraft participated in the demonstration. MiG-29K fighters, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, Dornier maritime patrol aircraft, Sea Kings and Chetak helicopters executed coordinated manoeuvres over sea and air, showcasing high levels of operational synergy.

A simulated anti-piracy and hostage-rescue mission by the elite MARCOS (Marine Commandos) was among the main highlights. The exercise demonstrated the Navy’s rapid-response capability, precision combat skills and preparedness to protect Indian and international shipping lanes in the Arabian Sea and beyond.

Women Agniveers also took part in the demonstrations, drawing appreciation from the crowd and reflecting the Navy’s increasing inclusion of women in operational roles. Foreign defence attachés paid close attention to India’s evolving maritime capabilities.

President Murmu said it was encouraging to witness India’s growing self-reliance in designing and building sophisticated naval platforms such as aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates and submarines. “Self-reliance strengthens national security, creates employment and drives technological innovation. I am confident that the Indian Navy will continue contributing to the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’,” she remarked.

Progress on INS Aridaman, India’s third indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), was also highlighted. Officials confirmed that it is in the final phase of sea trials and will be commissioned soon, significantly boosting India’s sea-based nuclear deterrent.

Admiral Tripathi said the President’s presence at what is only the second large-scale operational demonstration after last year’s event in Puri “underscores the importance you attach to India’s maritime security and the Navy’s operational endeavours.”

Navy Day is observed on 4 December to commemorate the Navy’s daring attacks on Karachi harbour during the 1971 India–Pakistan war, which contributed significantly to India’s victory and honour its maritime heritage.

The event concluded with a twilight illumination of naval ships, a performance by the Southern Naval Command band and a precision drill by the Navy’s gunnery team, reflecting professionalism and growing maritime self-reliance.