Naval exercise demonstrations to be held today, President will be chief guest

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As part of Navy Day celebrations, naval exercise demonstrations will be held today at Shankumugham. President Droupadi Murmu will be the chief guest. More than 40 warships, including 19 major combat vessels and submarines, along with 32 fighter aircraft, will take part in the event. The indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant from Kochi has also arrived.

The exercises will include firing and defence demonstrations by fighter jets, as well as submarine manoeuvres. There will be an air show featuring MiG-29 fighter aircraft (Black Panthers). Rescue operations for people in distress at sea will also be showcased.

Entry will be allowed for 9,000 people with passes, while nearly one lakh spectators are expected to watch the event from the coastline.

The President will arrive at the Thiruvananthapuram airport at 4:10 p.m. After inspecting the Guard of Honour at 4:30 p.m., she will reach the specially arranged stage at Shankumugham by 5:13 p.m. The demonstrations will take place afterwards. At 6:57 p.m., the President will leave the venue for the Raj Bhavan. Flight operations have been restricted due to the event. On the 4th, at 9:45 a.m., the President will depart for Delhi.