New Delhi: President to Review Massive 71-Ship Fleet is the central theme as President Droupadi Murmu prepares to review one of the largest maritime assemblies ever hosted by India at the International Fleet Review (IFR)-MILAN 2026 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Scheduled for 18 February 2026, this unique event brings together 71 ships and about 50 aircraft from the Indian Navy, friendly foreign navies, the Coast Guard, and other maritime organisations. It reflects India’s growing role in global maritime cooperation and defence diplomacy.
What Is the International Fleet Review (IFR)?
The International Fleet Review (IFR) is a prestigious naval event where maritime forces showcase their ships, capabilities, and interoperability. Held at sea, the IFR allows the President of India to review participating vessels in formation, highlighting naval readiness and international partnerships.
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This year’s edition — part of IFR-MILAN 2026 — marks one of the largest gatherings of naval units in independent India.
When and Where the President Will Review the Fleet
- Date: 18 February 2026
- Location: Visakhapatnam (Vizag) Anchorage Area, off the coast of Andhra Pradesh
- Reviewing Authority: President Droupadi Murmu
- Presidential Yacht: The patrol vessel INS Sumedha will serve as the ship from which the President reviews the assembled fleet.
Massive Scale: 71 Ships & 50 Aircraft
The Presidential Fleet Review at IFR-MILAN 2026 will see:
- 71 ships arranged in six columns
- 45 Indian Navy vessels
- 19 foreign warships from friendly nations
- Coast Guard ships, merchant vessels, and research ships
- 50 aircraft participating in aerial formations and flypasts
This diverse ensemble includes India’s own indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, reinforcing the country’s indigenous defence manufacturing strength.
International Participation
The event’s multinational character highlights India’s strong defence ties and diplomatic engagement:
- 19 foreign warships from friendly countries are participating.
- Several nations from across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe have sent vessels.
- Navies from countries such as Thailand, Australia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, UAE, and Bangladesh have already reached Visakhapatnam ahead of the fleet review.
Such participation reflects ongoing cooperation under frameworks such as the Milan exercise, which has grown from just a few nations in 1995 to over 65 navies today.
Special Highlights on 18 February
During the fleet review:
- Ships and submarines in organised formations will be reviewed.
- Aircraft from naval air arms will fly past, demonstrating aerial prowess.
- Naval helicopters will conduct search-and-rescue demonstrations.
- Marine commandos will perform tactical displays.
- There will be ceremonial formations and a parade of sailing vessels.
Altogether, these activities highlight maritime readiness and operational capability.
Beyond the Fleet Review: Cultural & Diplomatic Events
Beyond the naval review itself, IFR-MILAN 2026 will host:
- International City Parade on 19 February, featuring military and cultural processions.
- Bands and cultural troupes from foreign navies performing.
- Fireworks, laser light shows, and drone displays.
- High-level maritime seminars and defence dialogues.
These events not only display military precision but also build people-to-people ties and soft diplomacy.
India’s Maritime Vision: SAGAR & Act East
IFR-MILAN 2026 aligns closely with India’s strategic maritime goals:
- SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region): Promoting a stable maritime environment.
- Act East Policy: Strengthening ties with countries in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.
Such large-scale collaboration underscores India’s ambition to be a trusted maritime partner and a promoter of rules-based security in the Indo-Pacific.
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