OPERATION SOUTHERN READINESS 26-2 CONCLUDES AT SOUTHERN NAVAL COMMAND, KOCHI

Key Highlights:

• Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, a four-day multinational maritime security training, concluded at Southern Naval Command, Kochi.
• The engagement, from July 20-23, 2026, was conducted by the Indian Navy in partnership with Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
• It involved 276 personnel from 27 countries, 76 facilitators, and four international organizations.
• Training covered Maritime Domain Awareness, Counter-Narcotics, Maritime Law, and practical sea training.
• The exercise reinforced the Indian Navy-CMF partnership and the Indian Navy's leadership of Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154).

Detailed Insights:

• The engagement aimed to enhance interoperability, professional networks, and operational confidence among participating nations.
• It contributed to regional capacity-building and collective maritime security through theoretical understanding and hands-on training.
• Sessions included professional discussions and simulator-based instructions on Maritime Uncrewed Systems and Asymmetric Threats.
• Specialist inputs were provided by the Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), UNODC, and IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMO IMLI).
• The successful conduct highlighted Southern Naval Command's role as a leading training hub and the Indian Navy's modern training infrastructure.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Combined Maritime Forces (CMF): A multinational naval partnership promoting security, stability, and prosperity across international waters.
• Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154): An Indian Navy-led task force under CMF focused on regional maritime security and capacity building.
• Southern Naval Command (SNC): One of the three main operational commands of the Indian Navy, headquartered in Kochi, responsible for training.
• Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR): An Indian Navy initiative for maritime information sharing and collaboration with partner nations.
• Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): The effective understanding of anything associated with the maritime environment that could impact security, safety, or the economy.