Tuesday, April 12 2005 13:13 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Port Blair: Signalling the complete restoration of its military installations in Car Nicobar from the damage caused in the December 26 seaquake and tsunami, naval and air force officials cheered the display of military might over the Indian Ocean archipelago.

The exercise displays India's Defence preparedness to safeguard the country's frontline from the Indian Ocean end.

Defence spokesperson Commander Salil Mehta told sources that the base under the Andaman and Nicobar command could now be called fully operational with the strike aircraft carrying out exercises at the Port Blair Air field.

"We have received AL-32s and other transport aircraft along with the strike aircraft from their respective squadrons in mainland India. During the exercise, we also conducted in-flight refuelling with IL-78 filling aircraft. This marks the restoration of long haul operations at the Car Nicobar base," he said.

The joint operation included naval and Cost Guard ships alongside the strike aircraft, which took off from the Car Nicobar base and went over the various Islands to conduct strike operations.

The exercise would continue for two more days. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi would arrive in Port Blair on April 14 to formally declare the base combat-fit.