Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 3 (UNI) Navy Day 2025 celebrations unfolded today in grand style at Shankhumugham Beach, where President Droupadi Murmu witnessed a breathtaking operational demonstration (Op Demo) showcasing the full spectrum of India’s naval prowess.
Thousands thronged the specially prepared beachfront as the Indian Navy executed a series of high-precision air, surface and sub-surface manoeuvres.
The President, who arrived in the city earlier in the evening, viewed the performances from a gallery set up near the shoreline.
This year’s Op Demo brought an impressive range of naval assets to Thiruvananthapuram, including warships, fast interceptor craft, submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters and fighter jets.
The display featured complex sequences such as special-forces insertion drills, visit-board-search-and-seizure missions, high-speed boat runs, anti-submarine demonstrations and coordinated aerial formations.
A major attraction was the low-altitude salute by naval helicopters, followed by a synchronised fly-past that drew applause from the crowd. Warships performed close-coast formation manoeuvres, providing the public a rare glimpse of naval capabilities usually restricted to operational zones.
The event began with the arrival of the Chief Guest, marked by a ceremonial salute from an MH-60R helicopter. Warships executed the striking ‘Manoeuvre W’, approaching the beachfront and firing flares in salute. Chetak helicopters flew past in banner formation carrying the National Flag and Naval Ensign, while Hawk AJT aircraft showcased the dramatic Bomb Burst manoeuvre.
MARCOS commandos demonstrated helicopter-borne insertion and Visit, Board, Search & Seizure (VBSS) missions, highlighting the Navy’s readiness for counter-maritime operations. Missile vessels of the famed Killer Squadron recreated combat scenarios with a simulated missile launch using flares.
Submarines executed a silent 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 featured demolition teams inserting via assault boats and extracting while underslung from helicopters.
The skies came alive with Hawk AJT combat manoeuvres and a carrier-borne aviation display, with MiG-29K Black Panthers simulating aircraft-carrier launch and recovery operations. A Helo Landing Demo on a moving ship underscored exceptional coordination between pilots and ship crews. Later, Chetak helicopters performed a synchronised display highlighting their logistics, medical evacuation and search-and-rescue roles.
The underwater arm showcased its strength through Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) rocket-firing, followed by a grand Composite Fly-Past featuring aircraft from multiple naval air stations and ships. Sail-training ships INS Tarangini and INS Sudarshini added maritime elegance as they glided past the dais during the Sail Past Demo.
The evening also featured the Hornpipe Dance by Sea Cadet Corps children, a ceremonial Beating Retreat and a vibrant cultural programme celebrating Kerala’s heritage. The Navy’s ceremonial guard presented a flawless Continuity Drill. As night fell, anchored naval vessels lit up the coastline in a spectacular Illumination of Ships, firing flares in sequence to conclude the event.
Guided by the Government of India’s maritime vision MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region — the Op Demo underscored the Indian Navy’s commitment to safeguarding national maritime interests “Anytime, Anywhere, Anyhow.” The display offered citizens a rare view of the Navy’s multi-dimensional operational strength.
This year marks the first time Thiruvananthapuram has hosted the Navy Day Op Demo, making the occasion especially significant for Kerala. Extensive preparations were undertaken at Shankhumugham to accommodate dignitaries and the large turnout.
Governor of Kerala Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan received President Droupadi Murmu on her arrival at the Thiruvananthapuram Air Force Technical Area, where she was accorded a Guard of Honour.
After the celebrations, the President proceeded to Lok Bhavan, the Governor’s official residence, for an overnight stay. She will depart for Delhi on December 4 at 9.45 am.
UNI DS SS