The Indian Navy and the Royal Navy concluded Exercise Konkan-26 off Plymouth in the United Kingdom on Thursday after eight days of training aimed at improving operational coordination. The two forces rehearsed anti-submarine and anti-surface asymmetric warfare, tactical manoeuvres and weapon firings in a multi-threat maritime environment, the Indian Navy said.
Held from October 8 to 15, the bilateral exercise brought together INS Trishul, an Indian Navy guided-missile stealth frigate, and HMS Sutherland, a Royal Navy Duke-class, or Type 23, anti-submarine warfare frigate. The Royal Navy’s Fleet Operational Standards and Training (FOST) organization conducted the exercise.
Four-day sea phase tested joint procedures
The intensive sea phase, from October 12 to 15, involved advanced seamanship manoeuvres, joint tactical exercises, communication procedures, anti-surface asymmetric warfare, anti-submarine warfare and weapon firings. These drills were intended to improve how both crews share information, handle their ships and coordinate operations under demanding conditions.
Anti-submarine warfare training develops skills needed to locate and track underwater threats. Anti-surface asymmetric warfare prepares crews to counter threats from smaller or unconventional surface craft, while agreed communication procedures reduce the risk of confusion between ships operating together.
The defence ministry’s earlier announcement outlined a harbour phase featuring professional interactions, cross-deck visits and sporting and cultural engagements. Such exchanges allow personnel to familiarize themselves with one another’s equipment, procedures and operational practices before exercising at sea.
A wider maritime partnership
Konkan has been a regular feature of India-UK naval engagement for more than two decades. During the previous edition off India’s western coast in October 2025, carrier groups led by INS Vikrant and HMS Prince of Wales exercised together for the first time, undertaking aviation and anti-submarine drills.
The latest sea training coincided with the navies’ 17th Executive Steering Group meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday and Thursday. The discussions examined ways to expand operational cooperation and work together on emerging technologies and future capabilities, the Indian Navy said on Friday.
INS Trishul’s Plymouth visit followed participation in Exercise Varuna with the French navy off Toulon and a port call at Valencia in Spain, part of its wider overseas deployment.
The Indian Navy said the exchange of professional expertise and operational best practices during Konkan-26 strengthened interoperability and reinforced the ability of both navies to operate together in complex maritime scenarios. The exercise furthered the longstanding India-UK maritime partnership, complementing broader defence cooperation under the India-UK Vision 2035 framework.
