Operation Trident (1971)

Operation Trident
Part of Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
Date4–5 December 1971
Location
Arabian Sea, 14–17 nautical miles (26–31 km; 16–20 mi) south of the Port of Karachi, Pakistan.
Result Strategic Indian naval victory and partial naval blockade on Pakistan.
Belligerents
 India  Pakistan
Commanders and leaders
  • Vice Admiral Muzaffar Hassan (CC)
  • Rear Admiral M. A. K. Lodhi
    (FOC-in-C Western Naval Command)
  • Commanding Officers of the ships engaged
  • Units involved
     Indian Navy  Pakistan Navy
    Strength
    Ships deployed off the coast of Karachi
    Casualties and losses
    None

    Operation Trident was an offensive operation launched by the Indian Navy on Pakistan's port city of Karachi during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Operation Trident saw the first use of anti-ship missiles in combat in the region. The operation was conducted on the night of 4–5 December and inflicted heavy damage on Pakistani vessels and facilities. While India suffered no losses, Pakistan lost a minesweeper, a destroyer, a cargo vessel carrying ammunition, and fuel storage tanks in Karachi. Another destroyer was also badly damaged and eventually scrapped. India celebrates its Navy Day annually on 4 December to mark this operation. Trident was followed up by Operation Python three days later.