WASHINGTON, Sept 11: Indian and US navies are conducting a salvage exercise off the Kerala coast from Sept 12 to 23. The exercise called Salvex is the first combined diving manoeuvre being conducted by the two navies. Extensive survey, salvage and diving exercises will be practised.

“The Indian navy and US navy regularly conduct the Malabar series of bilateral exercises. Salvex, being conducted off Kochi, is part of this ongoing cooperation. This particular exercise would focus on diving salvage operations,” said a joint statement issued on Sunday.

US naval ship USS Safeguard is participating in the exercise. A diving team and INS Matanga will represent the Indian navy.

The exercise will include deployment of underwater salvage teams comprising divers from both the navies.

The harbour phase of the exercise includes training and professional discussions between the navies.

The US personnel will also visit Indian navy’s diving training establishment at Kochi.

Meanwhile, the Indian air force will carry out a joint exercise with its US counterpart at West Bengal’s Kalaikunda airbase under the Eastern Air Command in the first week of November. The US will deploy its F-16s and other sophisticated combat aircraft for the exercise christened Cope India. The IAF will deploy its frontline fighter aircraft in the 10-day-long exercise.