Maritime News, Visakhapatnam, India : Exercise MILAN 2026, the Indian Navy’s flagship multilateral maritime engagement, concluded successfully on 25 February 2026 with a ceremonial closing onboard India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, off the coast of Visakhapatnam.
The ceremony was presided over by Rear Admiral Alok Ananda, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF), in the presence of Commanding Officers and officers from all participating navies, marking the culmination of one of the largest editions of the exercise to date.
Held under the theme “Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration”, MILAN 2026 witnessed participation on an unprecedented scale, comprising 42 ships and submarines and 29 aircraft, including 18 ships from Friendly Foreign Countries. Maritime patrol aircraft from France, Germany and the United States also joined the exercise, reflecting growing global convergence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Harbour Phase: Strategic Engagement and Exchange
The exercise commenced with a Harbour Phase featuring bilateral engagements, Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) programmes, and the International Maritime Seminar (IMS). Professional interactions were complemented by cross-deck visits, cultural exchanges, technological demonstrations, and the MILAN of Young Officers (MOYO) interaction.
Friendly sporting fixtures further strengthened informal bonds among participating navies, fostering both professional synergy and camaraderie.
Sea Phase: High-Intensity Operational Drills
The Sea Phase transitioned into high-tempo maritime operations focusing on advanced warfare disciplines, including:
- Integrated air defence exercises
- Anti-submarine warfare drills
- Maritime interdiction operations
- Surface strike coordination
- Communication exercises
- Cross-deck flying operations
Live firings, surface gun shoots, anti-air engagements, and Fleet Manoeuvre (FPM) drills validated seamless coordination and joint mission planning. Emphasis was placed on interoperability, rapid response, and logistical support at sea.
Friendly Foreign navies operated alongside Indian Naval Ships in complex tactical manoeuvres, demonstrating collective readiness and shared commitment to ensuring safe and secure seas.
INS Vikrant: A Symbol of Indigenous Strength
The closing ceremony aboard INS Vikrant, India’s indigenously built aircraft carrier, symbolised the nation’s maritime self-reliance and growing operational capability.
Participating Commanding Officers expressed appreciation for the professional conduct and meticulous planning that defined MILAN 2026, affirming that the exercise achieved its operational objectives and significantly enhanced mutual understanding and maritime interoperability.
Strengthening MAHASAGAR Vision
MILAN 2026 aligns with India’s maritime vision of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, reinforcing cooperative mechanisms and long-term partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.
The successful culmination of the exercise stands as a testament to the Indian Navy’s leadership in fostering multilateral naval collaboration and promoting collective maritime security.
