INDIAN NAVY TO HOST OPERATION SOUTHERN READINESS 26-2 AT SOUTHERN NAVAL COMMAND, KOCHI

Key Highlights:

• The Indian Navy will host Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, from 20 to 23 July 2026.
• This four-day multinational training engagement is in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
• It will be conducted under the aegis of the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), CMF’s dedicated Training Task Force.
• The event aims to provide professional maritime security training, practical experience, and exchange of best practices among CMF Partner Nations.

Detailed Insights:

• The CMF is a multinational maritime partnership comprising over 40 nations, focusing on regional capacity building and collective maritime security.
• The training program will combine classroom instruction, simulator-based training, and practical exposure onboard an Indian Naval ship.
• Sessions will cover critical areas such as Maritime Law, Maritime Domain Awareness, Counter-Narcotics, Force Protection, and maritime Uncrewed Systems.
• Participants will also receive training in Damage Control, Firefighting, maritime communications, Survival at Sea, and Boarding procedures.
• Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 will showcase the Indian Navy’s modern training infrastructure and advanced instructional methodologies.
• The engagement aims to enhance interoperability, professional understanding, and cooperation among participating nations.
• Hosting this event reinforces Southern Naval Command’s role as a leading training hub and strengthens the Indian Navy’s standing as a preferred destination for professional sea training.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Combined Maritime Forces (CMF): A multinational naval partnership promoting security and stability in international waters.
• Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154): CMF's dedicated training task force, currently led by the Indian Navy.
• Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): The effective understanding of anything associated with the maritime environment that could impact security, safety, economy, or environment.
• Uncrewed Systems: Vehicles or platforms that operate without a human operator on board, used for various maritime tasks.