The Indian Navy will conduct a four-day multinational maritime security exercise Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 in Kochi from July 20 to 23, with representatives from over 25 countries participating.
The exercise will unite military personnel from approximately 25 nations in collaboration with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a multinational partnership that includes over 40 countries. It will take place under the auspices of the Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), led by the Indian Navy, which serves as a specialized training task force within the CMF. Participating countries include Australia, Canada, Japan, Thailand, UAE, Oman, Djibouti, Seychelles, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
According to a statement from the Navy, the program aims to enhance maritime cooperation and interoperability by providing professional training in maritime security, practical experience, and the sharing of best practices among military personnel from CMF partner nations. The exercise highlights the growing role of the Indian Navy in boosting regional capacity through collaboration with the CMF.
Purpose and content of the exercises
The exercises will include classroom sessions, simulator training, and practical drills. Key topics will cover maritime law, maritime situational awareness and information sharing, counter-narcotics operations, force protection, asymmetric threats, and maritime unmanned systems.
Participants will also receive hands-on training in damage control and firefighting, maritime communications, sea survival, vessel inspection procedures, and practical drills aboard an Indian Navy ship.
The Navy noted that the exercises will showcase the modern training infrastructure of the Southern Naval Command, advanced simulators, and the high level of instructor training. This blend of theoretical learning and practical application aims to deepen professional knowledge, enhance interoperability, and strengthen cooperation among the naval forces of the participating countries.
Source: The Hindu
