The 13th edition of the multilateral naval exercise MILAN concluded on Wednesday aboard INS Vikrant, highlighting enhanced maritime cooperation and operational interoperability among participating nations.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated MILAN 2026 in Visakhapatnam on February 20, welcoming Navy Chiefs and delegations from friendly foreign countries. The week-long exercise, held from February 19 to 25, saw participation from 75 nations, fostering professional interaction and complex maritime drills.
Rear Admiral Alok Ananda, Fleet Commander, Eastern Fleet, said the exercise, themed “Camaraderie, Cohesion, and Collaboration,” was conducted in two phases – the Harbour Phase from February 19 to 20, and the Sea Phase from February 21 to 25.
During the Harbour Phase, participants engaged in Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), MILAN of Young Officers (MOYO), pre-sail discussions, and cross-deck visits. Cultural and sports events were also held, strengthening personal bonds and trust beyond professional interactions.
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The Sea Phase featured 40 ships and 29 aircraft, including 18 ships and five aircraft from friendly foreign navies. Intensive drills were carried out across air, surface, and sub-surface domains, focusing on task execution, operational coordination, and combat readiness. Participating assets undertook a total of 90 hours of flying, conducting advanced anti-submarine, air defence, and over-the-horizon targeting exercises.
Rear Admiral Ananda noted that MILAN 2026 demonstrated the growing convergence of maritime capabilities and mutual confidence among partner navies. “The professionalism and operational excellence displayed during the exercise reflect the commitment of participating forces to maintain a safe and secure maritime environment,” he said.
The multilateral exercise, first launched in 1995, has steadily expanded in scale and complexity, serving as a platform to foster mutual understanding, strengthen interoperability, and build lasting maritime partnerships among friendly nations.
MILAN 2026 concluded with a ceremonial debrief and flag-lowering on INS Vikrant, marking the successful completion of a week of collaborative maritime drills, cultural exchanges, and professional interactions.
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