The Sri Lankan and Indian Navies have begun the joint naval combat exercise code named SLINEX II 2011, off the Trincomalee coast of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s two offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), one fast missile vessel, two fast gun boats and six fast attack craft will exercise alongside Indian vessels.

Indian Navy vessels that will participate in the exercise include one destroyer, one frigate, one missile corvette, one landing ship tank, two fast attack craft and one maritime patrol aircraft.

The six-day exercise, which aims to enhance interoperability between the two navies, is part of an agreement signed between the two countries in December last year.

India has been training Sri Lankan personnel and provides specialised naval courses in gunnery, navigation, communication and anti-submarine warfare.