New Delhi, Jan 26 : India on January 25 concluded a joint maritime exercise ‘Paschim Lehar-2022’ off the west coast involving assets of the three wings- Indian Navy, IAF, Indian Army and Coast Guard, a statement released by the Ministry of Defence Today  said. “The exercise was conducted over a duration of 20 days with an objective to validate operational plans of the Western Naval Command and enhance Inter-Service synergy among the Indian Navy, IAF, Indian Army and Coast Guard,” Indian Navy said in a statement. The exercise was conducted under the aegis of Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. “The IAF deployed SU 30 MKI and Jaguar maritime strike aircraft, Flight Refuelling Aircraft and AWACs, alongside the Indian Navy’s maritime reconnaissance aircraft P8i, Dorniers, IL 38 SD, unmanned aerial systems and MiG 29K strike aircraft,” Indian Navy said. According to the Indian Navy, the exercise provided all participating forces an opportunity to operate together under realistic conditions, in responding to contemporary maritime challenges across the areas of the Western Naval Command’s responsibility. The intra-theatre exercise included mobilisation and participation of over 40 ships and submarines of the Indian Navy. Various elements of the Indian Army including Air Defence batteries were also mobilised for the exercise. After a long gap, many OPVs, FPVs and Air Cushion Vessels of the Coast Guard also participated in exercise, the statement added. During the exercise, a variety of weapon firings in a realistic tactical scenario were conducted besides validation of operational missions and tasks under varying settings were also undertaken. (UNI)