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| MILAN 2024: A Confluence of Naval Power and Cooperation |
On February 18th, 2024, the Indian Navy announced its readiness to host the 12th edition of the MILAN naval exercise, scheduled from February 19th to 27th in Visakhapatnam. This multinational event aims to foster camaraderie, cohesion, and collaboration among regional and international navies.
Overview of MILAN:
MILAN, initiated by the Indian Navy in 1995, is a biennial gathering initially held at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and later on the mainland. It serves as a platform to strengthen ties and mutual understanding among participating navies.
Participating Nations:
With delegations from nearly 50 countries across continents, MILAN 2024 boasts historical participation. Fifteen foreign naval ships and maritime patrol aircraft are set to engage in sea drills.
Scale of Activities:
The Indian Navy's ambitious plans for MILAN 2024 include deploying over 20 frontline battleships, such as INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant aircraft carriers, alongside 50 naval fighter jets and a fleet of submarines and destroyers.
Notable Arrivals:
Significant arrivals include the USS Halsey (DDG-97) of the United States, along with notable frigates and vessels from the Royal Australian Navy, Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force, Royal Thai Navy, and Vietnam People’s Navy, showcasing international collaboration.
Focus Areas:
MILAN 2024 focuses on enhancing operational compatibility, advancing multilateral naval cooperation, and collectively securing global commons in the Indian Ocean Region through advanced naval drills.
Cultural Exchanges:
In addition to military exercises, MILAN fosters cultural exchanges, dialogues, and sports events among participating contingents, reinforcing strategic trust and interoperability.
Other Activities of the Indian Navy:
Beyond MILAN, the Indian Navy is engaged in significant operations including anti-piracy and anti-drone initiatives. In the Arabian Sea, the Navy supports distressed merchant ships and deploys multiple warships, P8I aircraft, and MQ9 drones to combat piracy and address drone threats.