Skydiving to pyro-dynamics: Navy’s air, onshore capabilities mesmerize people at Vizag’s RK Beach

Visakhapatnam: A mesmerizing International City Parade and the Indian Navy’s air power demonstration mesmerized people in Vizag city on Thursday.

Thousands of people lined up at RK Beach to watch the two events, which were held as a part of the Indian Navy’s largest-ever multilateral naval exercise MILAN 2024.

The Indian Navy displayed its maritime, air, and onshore capabilities, putting forth the might of its fleets. The MIG 29K fighter aircraft combat maneuvering and the composite flypast of the helicopters and aircraft enthralled the spectators during the Air Power Demonstration. The combat freefall by the Navy’s skydiving team and the pyro-dynamics display by the aerial team were some of the major attractions. Vizagites also witnessed a remarkable sight as the illustrious majestic aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya graced the coastal waters anchoring off the shore.

Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt said that Vizag with its rich maritime history and tradition, has always had a profound connection with the Indian Navy. From being a nerve center for trade and commerce of yore to being the strategic center of gravity on the Eastern seaboard in the modern Indian maritime landscape today, Visakhapatnam has continued to serve as a beacon of the Indian Navy’s maritime will, intent, and purpose

This ‘City of Destiny’ has long resonated with the rhythm of the Indian Navy. From being home to India’s Eastern Naval Command (ENC) to hosting prestigious events like the International Fleet Review in 2016... just months after the devastating Cyclone Hudhud to serving as the proud venue for the maiden Navy Day Celebrations outside New Delhi this city embodies our shared national commitment to a secure and prosperous maritime future, he added.

“I would like to personally acknowledge the hospitality and support rendered by the warm and welcoming people of Visakhapatnam, which has enabled the Indian Navy to host these various grand events, and today’s MILAN 2024,” expressed Ajay Bhatt

In recognition of the long-standing relationship that the Navy has with this city and as a tribute to the resilience and resolve of its citizens, the Indian Navy has commissioned the first ship of its latest Indigenous Project 15B Stealth Guided Missile Destroyers as INS Visakhapatnam. This ship is one of the most potent weapon platforms in the Indian Navy today.

INS Visakhapatnam deployed nearly two thousand nautical miles West of the city she’s named after - off the Horn of Africa truly represents the proactive assertive posture of the Indian Navy today. The ship has spearheaded anti-piracy and anti-drone operations in the North and Western Arabian Sea, besides undertaking intense fire-fighting operations onboard a foreign-flagged tanker last month. The ship’s affirmative actions in the ongoing deployment bear testimony to the fact that a responsible maritime power alone can foster free, open, and inclusive global commons – not just for one’s prosperity, but more importantly for the collective good of the entire global community, Ajay Bhatt added.