3rd edition of Sea Dragon 23 ASW exercise has begun in Indo Pacific.

A P8I aircraft of the Indian Navy arrived at Guam, USA on March 14, 2023, to participate in ‘Exercise Sea Dragon 23’, the third edition of the coordinated multi-lateral ASW exercise for Long Range MR ASW aircraft, conducted by the US Navy.
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Boeing P-8 maritime patrol aircraft. (Picture source: Boeing)

The exercise scheduled from 15-30 Mar 23, would stress on coordinated anti-submarine warfare amongst the participating countries. The complexity and scope of these exercises has increased steadily over the past years to include advanced ASW drills.

Ex Sea Dragon 23 will test the capabilities of participating aircraft in tracking simulated and live underwater targets, whilst also sharing mutual expertise. The Exercise would witness representation by an Indian Navy P8I, along with P8A of the US Navy, P1 from the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force, CP 140 from the Royal Canadian Air Force, and P3C from the RoKN.

The Exercise aims to achieve high levels of synergy and coordination between the friendly navies, which is based on their shared values and commitment to an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific.

P8 aircraft

With a maximum speed of 564 mph (907 km/h, 490 kn), a cruise speed of 509 mph (815 km/h, 440 kn), and a combat range of 4,700 mi (7,500 km, 4,050 nmi), the aircraft can stay on station for up to four hours during anti-submarine warfare missions, providing a persistent presence in its area of operations.

The aircraft has a ferry range of 5,200 mi (8,300 km, 4,500 nmi) and can operate at a service ceiling of 41,000 ft (12,496 m), enabling it to cover vast distances and operate in diverse environments.