UK, Indian carrier strike groups conduct joint exercises in a first, Pg5.

Key Highlights:

• Konkan-25, a joint maritime exercise between the Indian and British carrier strike groups, commenced on October 6, 2025, off the Western coast of India and will continue until October 12, 2025.
• The exercise involves India's INS Vikrant and the UK's HMS Prince of Wales, along with frontline assets from both nations.
• JS Akebono of the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force and HNoMS Roald Amundsen of the Royal Norwegian Navy are also participating.
• The exercise includes complex maritime operational drills focusing on anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine exercises, as well as flying operations.
• INS Vikrant is carrying Mig-29K fighters, while HMS Prince of Wales has F-35B stealth multirole fighters onboard.
• The exercise reaffirms the commitment to secure, open, and free seas, exemplifying the India-UK Vision 2035.

Detailed Insights:

• Konkan is a series of exercises that began in 2004, taking place biennially, designed to enhance interoperability and maritime cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy.
• The exercise is divided into two phases: a sea phase involving operational drills and a harbour phase including interactions between naval personnel and cultural engagements.
• The participation of the UK Carrier Strike Group (UK CSG 25), along with assets from Norway and Japan, enhances the complexity and scope of this year's exercise.
• The exercise underscores the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the UK, emphasizing their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
• India-UK Vision 2035 aims to strengthen cooperation in various sectors, including defence and security, promoting a rules-based international order.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Carrier Strike Group: A naval fleet centered around an aircraft carrier, designed for power projection and maritime dominance.
• Interoperability: The ability of different military forces to operate together effectively.
• Indo-Pacific: A geopolitical region encompassing the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, emphasizing maritime security and cooperation.