Indian Navy Day

Indian NavyThe fourth of December is celebrated as Navy Day in India. A day when the Navy played a significant role in the bombing of the port territory of Karachi (a port in Pakistan that was not only the strategic center of the country, but also an important link in international trade, the blockade of which was a disaster for the economy of Pakistan) during the Indo-Pakistani War in 1971.

The celebration of the Indian Navy Day lasts a week, during which there are demonstrations of troops, entertainment events (including air shows), a demonstration of the military power of the Indian Navy - jet boats, weapons and equipment used on warships. Musical performances, a football championship and more are all part of the annual Navy Day celebrations that conclude the grand ball.

Operation Trident was held on 04.12.1971, and since then this day is celebrated as a holiday in the circles of the Navy.

The original plan was to launch a joint strike on Karachi on the same day that Pakistan launched hostilities. But given the fact that Pakistan attacked Indian airfields on the evening of December 3, it was not possible to retaliate that evening. The retaliatory strike was planned in conjunction with the Indian Air Force on the night of December 4-5.

However, the OSA-1 jet boats were designed and designed for coastal defensive operations and lacked the strength and range required for operations like this. Therefore, the strategic decision was made to tow them to a certain point in the port of Karachi, from where they could carry out the attack in full force. Staying in touch and controlling the operation, the Squadron Commander was on one of the ships. The Petya-class ships were to follow at a slow speed not very far from the theater of events. Photos of the port of Karachi taken from the air by Air Squadron No. 106 were an invaluable contribution to the planning of the operation.

Another unusual aspect was that the crew could communicate fluently in Russian, which was chosen to train Indian sailors who were delegated to the USSR for training. Undoubtedly, communication between the attacking ships was mainly in Russian, which was very useful during the operation.

These unique innovations introduced by the Indian Navy ensured the success of the operation.