In March 2024, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy conducted a joint operation to rescue the merchant vessel MV Ruen, which had been hijacked by Somali pirates near the Yemeni island of Socotra in December 2023. The operation took place approximately 2,600 kilometers from the Indian coast.
A C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from the IAF's No. 81 Squadron executed a precision airdrop of two Combat Rubberized Raiding Craft (CRRC) and 18 Marine Commandos (MARCOS) into the Arabian Sea. The mission involved a non-stop, 10-hour flight, during which the aircraft flew low over the high seas with all emitters switched off to avoid detection. The airdrop was conducted at dusk to maintain the element of surprise.
The Indian Navy deployed the guided missile destroyer INS Kolkata, which intercepted the MV Ruen and confirmed the presence of armed pirates. When a ship-launched drone was deployed for surveillance, the pirates shot it down and fired at the warship. In response, INS Kolkata disabled the ship's steering system and navigational aids, forcing it to stop. Following forceful negotiations, all 35 pirates surrendered, and the 17 original crew members were safely evacuated.
This operation, lasting over 40 hours, showcased the seamless integration and jointness between the IAF and the Indian Navy in conducting complex missions far from the mainl
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