An IAF C-17 Globemaster pilot was awarded a gallantry award for successfully executing an anti-piracy operation on the high seas, far from Indian shores. The pilot demonstrated exceptional skill by flying the aircraft at low altitude with all systems turned off to avoid detection, reports Eurasian Times.
Coordinated Effort
On December 13, 2023, the Indian Navy’s stealth-guided missile destroyer, INS Kolkata, intercepted the merchant vessel MV Ruen, which had been hijacked by Somali pirates. The pirates intended to use the hijacked ship as a platform for further acts of piracy.
The emboldened pirates opened fire on INS Kolkata and shot down a drone launched from the destroyer, escalating the situation. This incident triggered a significant anti-piracy operation, solidifying India’s role as a ‘First Responder’ in the Indian Ocean Region.
The operation involved a coordinated effort between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy, spanning over 40 hours. This mission marked a historic milestone as it involved the first insertion of marine commandos through an airdrop on the high seas.
The operation involved multiple assets, including the INS Subhadra patrol vessel, P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, a high-altitude long-endurance drone, and an IAF C-17 Globemaster that transported the elite marine commandos (Marcos) of the Indian Navy.
Joint Operations
The objective area for the anti-piracy operation was located near the Somalian coast, approximately 1450 nautical miles off Mumbai. The prevailing ground environment, particularly the airspace around the drop zone, was crucial for the success of the mission. It was necessary to sanitize the airspace to eliminate any potential anti-aircraft threats.
The mission presented significant challenges, including the threat of small arms fire from the pirates and the extended flight duration, which involved flying undeclared and undetected in foreign airspace for nearly four hours.
Wing Commander Saxena, the C-17 aircraft captain, made the critical decision to switch off all emitters and fly low-level over high seas to avoid detection. Despite receiving the changed drop location only 50 nautical miles before the drop, he successfully guided the crew to execute a precision airdrop, enabling the capture of the pirates and the rescue of the MV Ruen and its 17-member crew.
This operation not only demonstrated the Indian Navy’s capability to defend maritime laws in its area of dominance but also highlighted the growing cohesiveness and effectiveness of joint operations between the Indian Armed Forces.
C-17 Globemaster
The Indian Air Force (IAF) received its first C-17 Globemaster on June 18, 2013. With a fleet of 11 aircraft, the IAF is the largest operator of this Boeing aircraft outside the United States.
The C-17’s unique features, such as its externally blown flap system, enable it to land on short runways and perform precise maneuvers in confined spaces. The C-17 boasts superior airlifting capabilities compared to the Russian Il-76, with a payload capacity of 80 tonnes, double that of the Il-76.
The induction of C-17s has significantly enhanced the IAF’s strategic airlift capabilities. Its advanced avionics and powerful Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engines provide a significant technological edge over the Il-76, which is powered by Aviadvigatel PS-90-76 turbofan engines. The C-17s have played a crucial role in bolstering India’s military presence on its Eastern border, particularly following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash with Chinese forces.
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Source: Eurasian Times
