Indian Navy Wraps Up Successful MILAN 2026 Maritime Exercise
On February 25, 2026, the Indian Navy concluded its prestigious multilateral maritime exercise, MILAN 2026, with a closing ceremony held onboard the indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, off the coast of Visakhapatnam. Rear Admiral Alok Ananda, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, presided over the ceremony, attended by Commanding Officers and officers from all participating units. The event celebrated the successful completion of the exercise and the strong connections forged across the Bay of Bengal.
A Record-Breaking Participation
This year’s exercise, themed ‘Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration,’ witnessed unprecedented participation, featuring 42 ships and submarines, along with 29 aircraft. Among these, 18 ships represented various Friendly Foreign Countries, highlighting the multinational nature of the exercise.
In addition to integral helicopters onboard foreign ships, maritime patrol aircraft from nations such as France, Germany, and the USA also participated, showcasing a truly global maritime collaboration.
A Comprehensive Training Experience
MILAN 2026 kicked off with a Harbour Phase, which included bilateral engagements, a Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) program, and an International Maritime Seminar (IMS). The exercise facilitated professional interactions alongside cultural exchanges, cross-deck visits, and outstation tours, creating a rich and engaging environment for all participants.
The Sea Phase involved rigorous operational drills aimed at enhancing advanced warfare capabilities. These activities included integrated air defense, antisubmarine warfare exercises, maritime interdiction operations, surface strike coordination, and communication exercises. The drills aimed to improve interoperability and collective readiness among the participating navies.
Live firings were executed during the exercise, which included surface gun shoots and anti-air drills. There was a strong focus on real-time coordination, joint mission planning, and logistical support at sea. Friendly foreign navies participated in high-tempo tactical maneuvers alongside Indian Naval Ships, further reflecting a growing convergence of maritime interests dedicated to ensuring safe and secure seas.
Strengthening Maritime Partnerships
The successful conclusion of MILAN 2026 validates the ideals of the exercise, aligned with the vision of MAHASAGAR – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. During the closing ceremony aboard INS Vikrant, Commanding Officers expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the professional conduct and meticulous planning that characterized the exercise. They collectively affirmed that MILAN 2026 had significantly enhanced interoperability, mutual understanding, and collective maritime readiness.
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