What is Exercise MILAN 2026? Objectives, Participating Countries & Warships

Exercise MILAN 2026 is a global showcase of maritime strength and diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific region. The Indian Navy has commenced the 13th edition of Exercise MILAN 2026 and International Fleet Review(ITR) currentyly running from February 15 to February 25 at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This edition represents the pinnacle of India's naval diplomacy under the umbrella of the MAHASAGAR vision. 

For the first time exercise is running concurrently with the International Fleet Review (IFR) and the IONS Conclave of Chiefs making February 2026 a historic month for the global maritime community. The exercise focuses on "Camaraderie, Cohesion, and Collaboration," emphasizing anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.

अंतरराष्ट्रीय नौसैनिक अभ्यास मिलन 2026 के अंतर्गत मिलन विलेज का उद्घाटन

NDIAN NAVY INAUGURATES MILAN VILLAGE AS PART OF EXERCISE MILAN 2026, VISAKHAPATNAM

भारतीय नौसेना ने 15 फरवरी 2026 को विशाखापट्टनम में 'मिलन विलेज' का भव्य उद्घाटन किया।
यह उद्घाटन प्रमुख अंतरराष्ट्रीय… pic.twitter.com/jCmDAHMvLy

— Akashvani आकाशवाणी (@AkashvaniAIR) February 17, 2026

The Objectives of MILAN 2026

MILAN 2026 is far more than a ceremonial gathering; it is a high-intensity operational laboratory. The primary goals include:

• Operational Interoperability: Testing the ability of diverse navies (such as the US, Russia, Japan, and Australia) to operate as a single cohesive force.

• Advanced Warfare Training: Focusing on the "Sea Phase" (Feb 21–25) which includes live-fire drills, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), and complex Electronic Warfare (EW) scenarios.

• Combatting Asymmetric Threats: Practicing collective responses to non-traditional challenges like piracy, drone swarms, and maritime terrorism.

• Humanitarian Synergy: Enhancing Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) to streamline search-and-rescue and disaster relief protocols.

Participating Countries: 

While invitations were extended to over 135 nations, the final 72 countries are participating, reflecting India's growing role as a "Preferred Security Partner."

• The Debutants: In a significant diplomatic shift, Germany, the Philippines, and the UAE are participating with military assets for the first time.

• The Quad & Major Powers: Frontline participation from the USA, Japan, Australia, Russia, and France underscores the exercise's strategic weight.

• Regional Partners: Strong representation from ASEAN and IOR nations, including Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.

• Note: China and Turkey were notably excluded from this edition due to regional strategic considerations.

What is Milan Village? 

India Navy has inaugurated the Milan Village at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam as part of its flagship multilateral exercise, Exercise MILAN 2026. 

• The village opened and toured the facilities designed to foster global maritime engagement. 

• The initiative aims to promote social and cultural exchanges alongside professional naval cooperation, serving as a hub for informal engagement among participating nations.

• The village is its focus on cultural exchange, offering visitors a glimpse into India’s diverse heritage and traditions. 

• MILAN Village signals the beginning of a broader sequence of naval engagements in the city.

Notable Warships on Display

The Bay of Bengal is currently home to over 60 warships. Key highlights include India’s Indigenous Might, the carrier battle group is led by the INS Vikrant, India's first domestically built aircraft carrier, alongside Visakhapatnam-class destroyers and Nilgiri-class stealth frigates. Foreign Contingents such as US's Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Pinckney, Russia's the modernized frigate RFS Marshal Shaposhnikov, Philippines the brand-new frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), South Africa's Valour-class frigate SAS Amatola and UAE the Gowind-class corvette Al Emarat.

      MILAN 2026 Exercise

The Indian Navy's Exercise MILAN 2026, a major global maritime event, is underway in Visakhapatnam from February 15-25. This 13th edition, coinciding with an International Fleet Review, highlights India's naval diplomacy and MAHASAGAR vision. Focusing on 'Camaraderie, Cohesion, and Collaboration,' it involves 72 nations for advanced warfare training, interoperability, and humanitarian synergy, showcasing diverse warships and fostering cultural exchange at Milan Village.

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