“MILAN 2026” concludes with closing ceremony on board INS Vikrant

By Raju Vernekar

The 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.  

 “MILAN 2026” commenced with a Harbor Phase that featured bilateral engagements, Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) program and the International Maritime Seminar (IMS). Professional interactions were complemented by cultural exchanges, cross-deck and outstation visits.

Technological demonstrations and the MILAN of Young Officers (MOYO) interaction facilitated the exchange of best practices, while friendly sports fixtures enabled informal interaction.

 This was followed by the Sea Phase, which comprised high-intensity operational drills focused on advanced warfare disciplines including integrated air defense and antisubmarine warfare exercises, maritime interdiction operations, surface strike coordination, communication exercises, and cross-deck flying operations, enhancing interoperability and collective readiness.

 Live firings as part of surface gun shoots and Fault Process Matrix(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. The exercise validated seamless coordination, rapid response capabilities and best practices, aligned with the vision of the Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR).

 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 characterized 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.

 The successful culmination of MILAN 2026 stands as a testament to the shared commitment of participating navies towards strengthening cooperative mechanisms, fostering enduring partnerships for safe and secure seas.