The India-United Kingdom bilateral maritime exercise KONKAN-26 concluded off Plymouth, United Kingdom, on October 15, 2026. Conducted from October 8 to 15, the exercise brought the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy together for professional engagements and operational activities designed to strengthen interoperability and cooperation across a range of maritime warfare domains.
The Indian Navy participated with its stealth frigate INS Trishul, while the Royal Navy deployed HMS Sutherland, a Duke-class anti-submarine warfare frigate. The exercise was conducted by the Royal Navy’s Fleet Operational Standards and Training (FOST) organisation.
Intensive Sea Phase from October 12 to 15
A key component of KONKAN-26 was its intensive four-day Sea Phase, held from October 12 to 15. During this period, the participating warships carried out advanced seamanship manoeuvres and joint tactical exercises, alongside communication procedures and operational serials in a multi-threat maritime environment.
The drills covered several important areas of naval operations, including anti-surface asymmetric warfare, anti-submarine warfare and weapon firings. These activities gave the two navies an opportunity to practise coordinated responses to complex maritime situations and improve their ability to operate together.
The range of serials also allowed participating personnel to exchange professional knowledge and assess operational procedures under demanding conditions.
INS Trishul and HMS Sutherland Represent Their Navies
The Indian Navy’s participation was led by INS Trishul, a stealth frigate, while the Royal Navy was represented by HMS Sutherland, a Duke-class frigate specialising in anti-submarine warfare.
The deployment of these warships provided a platform for both navies to practise joint operations, share expertise and build familiarity with each other’s operational methods. Conducting the exercise off Plymouth also enabled the participating units to train under the direction of the Royal Navy’s Fleet Operational Standards and Training organisation.
Strengthening India-UK Maritime Cooperation
KONKAN-26 provided an opportunity for the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy to engage across a broad range of professional and operational areas. Through tactical drills, communication exercises and the exchange of best practices, the exercise sought to improve coordination between the two maritime forces.
The emphasis on interoperability is important for naval forces operating in complex environments, where effective communication, shared procedures and coordinated action can support successful joint operations.
The exercise concluded on October 15, reinforcing the enduring maritime partnership between India and the United Kingdom. The professional exchanges and operational training conducted during KONKAN-26 further strengthened the two navies’ ability to work together across a range of maritime scenarios.
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