The naval exercise MILAN 2026 concluded recently in Visakhapatnam, marking a significant event in regional military collaboration. An official release highlighted the main features of the exercise, including strategic training and the integration of diverse naval assets. This initiative aims to foster mutual cooperation and strengthen relationships among nations within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The exercise provided an invaluable platform for the participating countries to learn and practice joint maritime combat strategies, enhancing their interoperability.

Details of the Naval Exercise

Participating in both ‘Harbour’ and ‘Sea’ phases, MILAN 2026 showcased an impressive array of 42 warships along with around 32 aircraft and helicopters. The Indian Navy, recognized as one of the most formidable naval forces globally, continues to expand rapidly, with a new warship being commissioned approximately every 50 days.

Defence Minister Inaugurates MILAN 2026

The inauguration of the 13th edition of Exercise MILAN-2026 took place on February 25, 2026, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Visakhapatnam. He welcomed distinguished representatives from 74 participating countries, emphasizing that this edition is the largest and most comprehensive to date. Singh remarked that the extensive participation reflects the international maritime community’s confidence in India as a reliable maritime partner.

Objective and Achievements of the Exercise

During his address, the Defence Minister underscored that MILAN 2026 aims to enhance interoperability among the navies of participating nations. He indicated that by sharing professional experiences and best practices, the exercise intends to boost operational competence while fostering stronger relationships among the various navies. The evolution of ties among participants, grounded in mutual benefits, was a highlighted goal of this collaborative platform.

Growing Significance of MILAN

Singh noted the steady growth of MILAN over the years, both in scope and importance. He stressed that the event has evolved from a regional interaction to a prominent multinational naval exercise. Singh stated that in light of numerous contemporary challenges, collaboration amongst naval forces has become more essential than ever, given that no single navy can effectively address these issues independently.

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