India Hosts Mega Naval Exercise 'Milan 2024' with 50 Countries

Defense News ,India :- India has initiated a large naval exercise called 'Milan 2024' in Visakhapatnam, featuring approximately 50 navies. The exercise is taking place amidst global concerns about the worsening security situation in the Red Sea. The participating nations, including the US, Japan, Australia, France, Bangladesh, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, aim to strengthen maritime cooperation.

The nine-day event kicked off with the arrival of 15 warships and one maritime patrol aircraft from friendly foreign countries. The Indian Navy is actively participating with nearly 20 ships, including aircraft carriers Vikrant and Vikramaditya, along with around 50 aircraft, such as MiG 29K, Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, and P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft.

Milan, a biennial multinational naval exercise that began in 1995, focuses on enhancing collaboration among like-minded nations. The exercise has evolved under the Andaman and Nicobar Command, and this 12th edition demonstrates its continued importance.

The harbor phase, from February 19 to 23, includes various activities like the opening ceremony, international city parade, international maritime seminar, Milan Tech Expo, and table-top exercises. The sea phase, scheduled from February 24 to 27, involves complex drills and maneuvers, including advanced air defense, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare drills.

Officials highlight that Milan 2024 aims to strengthen regional cooperation, foster interoperability, and enhance maritime security. The exercise emphasizes India's growing strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region, providing a platform for nations to build partnerships, exchange ideas, and share best practices. The previous edition of Milan took place in 2022 in Visakhapatnam.