MILAN 2026 ends with strong signal of collective readiness in the Indo-Pacific

Exercise MILAN 2026, the Indian Navy’s premier multilateral maritime exercise, concluded with a closing ceremony held onboard India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant off the coast of Visakhapatnam, marking one of the largest editions of the exercise so far.

The ceremony was presided over by Rear Admiral Alok Ananda , Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF), and attended by commanding officers and officers from all participating naval units.

Held under the theme “Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration,” MILAN 2026 witnessed participation on an unprecedented scale , with 42 ships and submarines and 29 aircraft taking part, including 18 warships from Friendly Foreign Countries and additional assets from partner navies. Maritime patrol aircraft from France, Germany and the United States and helicopters embarked on foreign ships also participated. Notably, the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Warramunga was present in Visakhapatnam as part of Australia’s contribution, reflecting shared concerns about Indo‑Pacific security and reinforcing cooperative engagement in the region.

The exercise was conducted in two phases, Harbour Phase and Sea Phase aimed at strengthening professional engagement and enhancing operational interoperability. The Harbour Phase featured bilateral interactions, the Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) programme and the International Maritime Seminar (IMS) , complemented by cultural exchanges, cross-deck visits, technological demonstrations, the MILAN of Young Officers (MOYO) forum and friendly sports fixtures.

The Sea Phase involved high-intensity operational drills focusing on advanced warfare disciplines, including integrated air defence , anti-submarine warfare , maritime interdiction operations , surface strike coordination , communication exercises and cross-deck flying operations . Live firings such as surface gun shoots, anti-air firings and FPM drills were also conducted, emphasising realism and combat preparedness.

Friendly foreign navies carried out high-tempo tactical manoeuvres alongside Indian Naval Ships, reflecting growing convergence of maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. INS Vikrant served as the operational and symbolic centrepiece of the exercise, showcasing India’s indigenous carrier capability and its role in multinational maritime cooperation. Aligned with India’s maritime vision of MAHASAGAR Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions , MILAN 2026 significantly enhanced interoperability, mutual trust and collective maritime security, reaffirming the shared commitment of participating navies towards ensuring safe and secure seas.