Exercise Cutlass Express:
INS Tir, the lead ship of First Training Squadron (1TS) participated in Exercise Cutlass Express – 24 (CE – 24) held at Port Victoria, Seychelles
- Exercise Cutlass Express is an exercise conducted in East African coastal regions and the West Indian Ocean to counter malign influence, aggression and activity along overlapping command seams and maritime regions.
- It is a premier multinational maritime exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet.
- It brings together maritime forces from East Africa, West Indian Ocean nations, Europe, North America and several international organizations to enhance maritime law enforcement capacity, promote national and regional security and increase interoperability among participating nations.
- Training was conducted on theoretical and practical aspects of Maritime Interdiction Operations, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures and Diving operations. During the sea phase, the ship’s VBSS team boarded Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) ship LE Vigilant and demonstrated procedures of boarding operations.
- As part of Cutlass Express 2024, the Indian Navy actively engaged with participants from 16 friendly foreign countries.
- The Indian Navy has been participating in the exercise since 2019.
