Sagar Kavach Drill Tests Coastal Readiness in AP

The coastal security exercise Sagar Kavach 02/2025 was successfully conducted along the Andhra Pradesh coast on November 20 and 21. This high-stakes drill brought together key maritime and law enforcement agencies to rigorously assess their readiness to respond to potential threats from the sea.

Under the leadership of Rajesh Mittal, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Coast Guard, and coordinated through the State Coastal Security Operation Centre in Visakhapatnam, participating units meticulously reviewed their surveillance systems, response protocols, and coordination practices. Personnel from the Coast Guard, Navy, Coastal Security Police, local police, and the Fisheries Department played vital roles in these evaluations.

Sagar Kavach is a critical exercise that occurs biannually, ensuring that the state is fully equipped to detect, track, and thwart possible infiltrations via sea routes.

This edition featured an extensive deployment led by Gopinath Jatti, the DIG of the Visakhapatnam Range, who also commands the Coastal Security Police. The deployment included an additional Superintendent of Police (SP), a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), 21 Station House Officers (SHOs), multiple inspectors, 42 Sub-Inspectors (SIs), 377 Coastal Security Police personnel, and 1,336 personnel from nearby stations, culminating in a formidable total of 1,778 participants.

During the exercise, the teams were organized into Red and Blue forces. The Red force executed controlled infiltration and landing operations, while the Blue force excelled in interception, interdiction, and coastal defense tasks. A series of scenario-based drills tested their tactical readiness and operational effectiveness.

Officials noted the impressive results, with the Blue force successfully intercepting 47 Red force operatives across 18 planned scenarios, showcasing outstanding coordination and rapid response capabilities. Senior officers recognized the overall stellar performance and recommended commendations for select personnel, reflecting the exercise’s success in enhancing coastal security.