NEW DELHI – Around 40 ships, submarines and fighter aircraft participatedin Paschim Lehar, a tri-service maritime exercise off India’s westerncoast, the navy said on Wednesday.

The objective of the exercise, which commenced on February 12, is to buildinteroperability, an official spokesperson said.

“This exercise includes participation of a large number of ships,submarines and aircraft from the Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy.Units from Eastern Naval Command, Indian Army, Indian Air Force and thecoast guard are also participating to build interoperability,” thespokesperson said in a statement.

“Over 40 ships and submarines, a similar number of maritime surveillance,fighter aircraft, helicopters and Remotely Piloted Aircraft of the IndianNavy and the IAF are participating.”

“The amphibious capabilities of the armed forces, along with the elementsof Army Amphibious Brigade will also be deployed and tested for operationaltasking during the exercise,” it said.

The exercise includes a number of weapon firings, including missile, gunand torpedo firings during the initial phase. The second phase isstructured to validate and refine the operational plans of the WesternNaval Command, the statement said.