🪖 Topic: Defence & Security

🛡️ Wing Commander Akshay Saxena Honoured with Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for Anti-Piracy Heroics

Wing Commander Akshay Saxena has been awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for his courage and precision during anti-piracy operations in the Arabian Sea, under Operation Sankalp. This award reflects India’s growing role in securing international maritime routes, especially amidst rising threats from Houthi rebels and piracy incidents.

🏅 Key Facts About Vayu Sena Medal

• Instituted on January 26, 1960 to honour exceptional courage or devotion to duty by Indian Air Force personnel.
• Split into:
  • VM (Gallantry): For acts of bravery.
  • VM (Devotion to Duty): For meritorious service.

⚓ Operation Sankalp: A Maritime Shield

• Launched in June 2019 after attacks on merchant ships.
• Aims to secure Indian-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
• 23 Indian Navy warships are deployed under this operation.
• Enables 16+ safe passages for merchant ships every day.

🚁 Highlights of Wing Commander Saxena’s Mission

• Led a daring aerial mission to drop Combat Rubberised Raiding Craft (CRRC) and marine commandos.
• Neutralised a pirate-controlled vessel that had fired at INS Kolkata.
• Overcame severe time constraints and ensured stealth, safety, and precision.
• Coordinated seamlessly with Indian Navy to ensure mission success.

🇮🇳 Significance & Strategic Impact

• Exemplifies tri-service synergy in combating modern maritime threats.
• Reinforces India’s blue water naval capability and commitment to global maritime security.
• The mission strengthens India’s strategic presence in the Arabian Sea and surrounding waters.

🛳️ INS Talwar’s Role in Maritime Security

• Part of India’s frontline defence, equipped for multi-dimensional warfare.
• Crucial in escorting Indian shipping, especially from energy-rich Gulf countries.
• Strengthens India’s energy and trade security.

🌍 Geopolitical Relevance of the Persian Gulf

• Home to 2/3rds of the world’s oil reserves.
• The Gulf of Oman links key global shipping lanes to the Arabian Sea.
• Ensuring security here is a shared interest among major economies, reinforcing India’s strategic role.