Exercise
MILAN 2026, the Indian Navy’s premier multilateral maritime exercise,
culminated on 25 February 2026 with a closing ceremony conducted 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). Commanding Officers and officers from
all participating units attended the ceremony, marking the successful
completion of the exercise and celebrating the enduring bonds forged across the
vast expanse of the Bay of Bengal.
Held under
the theme ‘Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration’, MILAN 2026 witnessed
participation on an unprecedented scale, comprising 42 ships and submarines and
29 aircraft. These also included 18 ships from the participating Friendly
Foreign Countries. Further, apart from integral helicopters onboard the
Friendly Foreign Country ships, maritime patrol aircraft from France, Germany
and USA also participated.
Live firings
as part of surface gun shoots and FPM drills as well as anti-air firings were
also undertaken. Emphasis was placed on real-time coordination, joint mission
planning and logistical support at sea. Friendly Foreign navies participated in
high-tempo tactical manoeuvres alongside Indian naval ships, reflecting growing
convergence of maritime interests towards ensuring safe and secure seas.
During the
closing ceremony onboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant,
Commanding Officers of all participating ships expressed their deep
appreciation for the professional conduct and meticulous planning that
characterised MILAN 2026. They unanimously affirmed that the exercise had
comprehensively achieved its training objectives and operational aims,
significantly enhancing interoperability, mutual understanding and collective
maritime readiness.