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{{Use Indian English|date=February 2026}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2026}}

{{About||a full list of ships present|List of ships present at International Fleet Review 2026|events of the same name in other countries|International Fleet Review (disambiguation){{!}}International Fleet Review}}{{Infobox event
| logo = IFR26-logo.webp
| logo_size = 150 px
| logo_caption = IFR 2026 logo
| image = MILAN 2026.jpg
| caption = Ships in the fleet review and MILAN exercise
| duration = 11 days
| date = {{start and end dates|2026|02|15|2026|02|25|df=yes}}
| venue = [[Eastern Naval Command]]
| location = [[Visakhapatnam]], [[India]]
| coordinates = {{coord|17.695811|N|83.280709|E|region:IN_type:event|display=inline,title}}
| also_known_as = IFR 2026
| type = [[Fleet review]]<br />
[[Naval exercise]]
| theme = ''United Through Oceans''
| patron = [[Government of India]]
| organisers = [[Indian Navy]]
| participants = *[[List of ships present at International Fleet Review 2026#India (host)|66 ships]] from the Indian Navy, [[Indian Coast Guard]], [[Shipping Corporation of India]] and [[National Institute of Ocean Technology]]<ref name=":11" />
*[[List of ships present at International Fleet Review 2026#Foreign participants|19 ships]] and 45 marching contingents from 65 foreign navies<ref name=":4" /> and 74 nations<ref name=":11" />
*60+ aircraft<ref name=":11" /> from three countries<ref name=":6" />
| blank1_label =
| blank1_data =
| blank2_label =
| blank2_data =
| website = {{URL|https://www.ifrmilan26.com/}}
}}

The '''International Fleet Review 2026''' ('''IFR 2026''') was an international maritime exercise hosted and conducted by the [[Indian Navy]] on behalf of the [[President of India]] in February 2026 to improve relations with other navies in the region.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 January 2026 |title=IFR, MILAN-26, Naval conclave to gather world navies in Vizag this year: ENC chief |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/ifr-milan-26-naval-conclave-to-gather-world-navies-in-vizag-this-year-enc-chief/articleshow/127565475.cms |access-date=15 February 2026 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The IFR 2026, along with [[Milan (naval exercise)|MILAN]], is the largest maritime assembly hosted by India since its independence.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Peri |first=Usha |date=2026-02-16 |title=MILAN Village ready to host naval triad |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2026/Feb/16/milan-village-ready-to-host-naval-triad |access-date=2026-02-16 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

== Background ==

The 2026 International Fleet Review is a cooperative maritime exercise held in India. It aims to enhance co-operation and promote local maritime capabilities. This is the third IFR being hosted by India after the International Fleet Review 2001 and the [[International Fleet Review 2016]] which were conducted during the presidency of [[K. R. Narayanan]] and [[Pranab Mukherjee]], respectively.<ref>{{cite web |title=International Fleet Review|url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1999-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1999-12-22_324.pdf|website=archive.pib.gov.in|access-date=2 September 2023}}</ref><ref name="Introduction to IFR 2016 IN Official">{{cite web|title=Introduction to IFR 2016|url=https://ifr16.indiannavy.gov.in/introduction-to-ifr-2016.htm|website=Indian Navy|publisher=Govt. of India|access-date=8 January 2016|archive-date=27 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127024945/https://ifr16.indiannavy.gov.in/introduction-to-ifr-2016.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2001, 97 ships from 20 countries<ref name=":0">{{cite press release |title=India to host historic maritime convergence with International Fleet Review 2026, MILAN 2026, and IONS Conclave of Chiefs |date=31 October 2025 |publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2184765&reg=3&lang=2 |access-date=15 February 2026}}</ref> participated in the event,{{sfn|Singh|2018}} while the 2016 edition saw 95 ships and over 50 countries.<ref name="President reviews international fleet -The Telegraph2">{{cite web |title=President reviews international fleet |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1160206/jsp/frontpage/story_67833.jsp#.VwYv2vl97IU |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207085435/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1160206/jsp/frontpage/story_67833.jsp#.VwYv2vl97IU |archive-date=7 February 2016 |access-date=7 April 2016 |website=The Telegraph}}</ref>

The [[President's fleet review]], also called the Presidential fleet review, is a gathering of naval ships for observation by the President of India who reviews the fleet of the Indian Navy. Past fleet reviews in India include a 2006 review conducted by president [[A. P. J. Abdul Kalam]], which was the first public naval fleet review outside [[Mumbai]].<ref name="Fleet Review KALAM – 2006">{{cite web |title=President arrives for fleet review |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/president-arrives-for-fleet-review/article3177415.ece |website=The Hindu |access-date=18 April 2016}}</ref> The last review was in 2022 during the Presidency of [[Ram Nath Kovind]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Hon'ble President to Review Naval Fleet at Visakhapatnam|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1799655|website=pib.gov.in}}</ref>

Two other notable international fleet reviews were held before 2016: the [[International Fleet Review 2005]] in the [[United Kingdom]] and the [[International Fleet Review 2013]] in [[Australia]]. IFR 2016 was the second international fleet review conducted in India; the first, in Mumbai in 2001, had 29 participants. A total of 95 warships from 50 navies, including the Indian Navy, participated in IFR 2016.<ref name="50 Navies Participated – The Diplomat">{{cite web|author1=Ankit Panda|title=With Over 50 Navies Participating, India Concludes 2016 International Fleet Review|url=https://thediplomat.com/2016/02/with-over-50-navies-participating-india-concludes-2016-international-fleet-review/|website=The Diplomat|access-date=5 April 2016|date=8 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="DNA India After 15 Yrs IFR">{{cite web|author1=Ateeq Sk|title=After 15 years, second International Fleet Review to be held at Visakhapatnam in February|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-after-15-years-second-international-fleet-review-to-be-held-at-visakhapatnam-in-february-2121111|website=DNA India|access-date=5 April 2016|date=2 September 2015}}</ref>

During a press conference in the presence of the [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Chief of the Naval Staff]] (CNS), [[Admiral (India)|Admiral]] [[Dinesh Kumar Tripathi]], on 31 October 2025, the Indian Navy announced three major events that would be hosted in February 2026. This included the International Fleet Review 2026, [[Milan (naval exercise)|Exercise MILAN]] 2026 and the [[Indian Ocean Naval Symposium]] (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs. The events were hosted 15–25 February 2016. Exercise MILAN is Indian Navy's flagship biennial multilateral [[naval exercise]]. India also hosts the chair of the IONS for the second time between 2025 and 2027 which has 25 members and 9 observers along with other invitees.<ref name=":0" /> The events also include the International City Parade.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=14 February 2026 |title=72 countries, 60 warships, including of US & Russia, to participate in international fleet review, MILAN exercise |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/72-countries-60-warships-including-of-us-russia-to-participate-in-international-fleet-review-milan-exercise/articleshow/128332411.cms |access-date=15 February 2026 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> On 14 and 15 February, the Indian Navy, along with the [[Indian Army]], conducted a full dress rehearsal for amphibious assault operations by [[BMP-2]]s at [[RK Beach]] in Visakhapatnam ahead of the IFR and City Parade.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Rao |first=V. Kamalakara |date=2026-02-14 |title=Naval rehearsals enliven RK Beach in Visakhapatnam ahead of IFR, MILAN |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/naval-rehearsals-enliven-rk-beach-in-visakhapatnam-ahead-of-ifr-milan/article70632734.ece |access-date=2026-02-16 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

==Events==

=== 16 February ===
The [[Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command]] (FOC-in-C ENC), [[Vice admiral (India)|Vice Admiral]] [[Sanjay Bhalla]], inaugurated the MILAN Village which was established within the premises of {{INS|Satavahana}}. The commanding officer described the events as the largest maritime assembly hosted by India since 1947. This also marked the beginning of the three events.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last=Rao |first=V. Kamalakara |date=2026-02-15 |title=ENC chief inaugurates MILAN Village ahead of International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/enc-chief-inaugurates-milan-village-ahead-of-international-fleet-review-in-visakhapatnam/article70635983.ece |access-date=2026-02-16 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

=== 17 February ===
The IFR formally commenced with a Presidential Banquet at the Visakhapatnam Naval Base and a ceremonial band performance at the Eastern Naval Command officers’ mess.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-02-16 |title=IFR & MILAN-2026: Global warships make port calls off Vizag |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/ifr-milan-2026-global-warships-make-port-calls-off-vizag/articleshow/128432519.cms |access-date=2026-02-18 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=PATNAIK |first=K. M. P. |date=2026-02-18 |title=IFR-2026 Commences With Presidential Banquet |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/andhra-pradesh/ifr-2026-commences-with-presidential-banquet-1938019 |access-date=2026-02-18 |website=www.deccanchronicle.com |language=en}}</ref> A full dress rehearsal for the Fleet Review was conducted on the day. {{INS|Sukanya}} hosted the families of naval personnel to witness the event. While the ships were anchored in six columns, ''Sukanya'' passed the ships in between the columns imitating the course of the [[presidential yacht]] the following day.<ref name=":10">{{Cite news |last=Gopal |first=B. Madhu |date=2026-02-17 |title=Visakhapatnam set for grand Presidential Fleet Review on February 18 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/visakhapatnam-set-for-grand-presidential-fleet-review-on-february-18/article70643607.ece |access-date=2026-02-18 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

===18 February===
The International Fleet Review was conducted by the [[President of India]], [[Droupadi Murmu]], in the presence of [[Governor of Andhra Pradesh]] [[Syed Abdul Nazeer|S Abdul Nazeer]] and [[Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh|Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister]] [[N. Chandrababu Naidu|N Chandrababu Naidu]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-02-18 |title=India’s naval might on full display at International Fleet review off Vizag coast |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/indias-naval-might-on-full-display-at-international-fleet-review-off-vizag-coast/articleshow/128494386.cms |access-date=2026-02-18 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref name=":1" />

The President initially received a Ceremonial [[Guard of Honour]] from a 150 personnel contingent and a [[21-gun salute]]. Thereafter, she and the guests boarded {{INS|Sumedha}} which served as the [[presidential yacht]]. The ship was adorned with the [[State Emblem of India|Ashoka Emblem]] and flew the Presidential Standard.<ref name=":32">{{Cite news |title=In A First, Germany, Philippines And UAE To Join Indian Navy's Fleet Review In Visakhapatnam |url=https://www.news18.com/india/germany-philippines-and-uae-among-70-nations-to-join-indian-navys-fleet-review-in-visakhapatnam-ws-l-9893761.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260211124140/https://www.news18.com/india/germany-philippines-and-uae-among-70-nations-to-join-indian-navys-fleet-review-in-visakhapatnam-ws-l-9893761.html |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-16 |work=News18 |language=en-US}}</ref> During the Fleet Review, 52 ships<ref name=":11">{{Cite press release |title=Hon’ble President of India reviews the International Fleet Review 2026 off Visakhapatnam |date=2026-02-18 |publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2229820&reg=3&lang=1 |access-date=2026-02-18 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260220074547/https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2229820&reg=3&lang=1 |archive-date=2026-02-20}}</ref> were anchored in six columns<ref name=":8">{{cite news |last1=ANI |date=17 February 2026 |title=Naval ships from UAE, Indonesia, Bangladesh join Indian Navy for International Fleet Review, Exercise Milan |url=https://gulfnews.com/uae/naval-ships-from-uae-indonesia-bangladesh-join-indian-navy-for-international-fleet-review-1.500445569 |access-date=17 February 2026 |publisher=Gulf News |location=Vishakhapatnam, India}}</ref> around {{Convert|22|km|abbr=on}} away from Visakhapatnam.<ref name=":9" /> ''Sumedha'' sailed past the anchored ships while the President received salute from the naval personnel on the ships. She also reviewed the [[Indian Naval Air Arm]] which was marked by a [[flypast]] by over 60 aircraft including helicopters, fixed wing aircraft as well as an [[Atlantique 2]] aircraft of the [[French Navy]]. Thereafter, a mobile column of warships and submarines sailed past the presidential yacht. Further maritime and waterfront demonstrations including a parade of sails, [[search and rescue]] and aerial manoeuvres by a Naval Air arm [[BAE Systems Hawk|Hawk aircraft]] were also part of the event.<ref name=":11" />

=== 19 February ===
The International City Parade, comprising 45 marching contingents<ref name=":4" /> and eight naval bands<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=India welcomes Thai, Australian, Sri Lankan ships for IFR, MILAN 2026 |url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/world/india-welcomes-thai-australian-sri-lankan-ships-for-ifr-milan-2026-articleshow-47f6gxx |access-date=2026-02-16 |website=Asianet Newsable |language=en|date=2026-02-16}}</ref> from across 65 foreign navies, was conducted on the [[Beach Road, Visakhapatnam|Beach Road]], beside [[RK Beach]],<ref name=":1" /> in between the stretch of The Park Hotel and the Coastal Battery.<ref name=":14" /> The [[Governor of Andhra Pradesh]], [[Syed Abdul Nazeer]], was the chief guest and reviewed the parade. The event was hosted by the Indian Navy chief, Admiral Dinesh Tripathi. Multiple guests included State ministers, Senior Central and State Government officials, [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)#Chief of the Naval Staff (1955–present)|Former Navy Chiefs]], Naval Chiefs and Heads of Delegations from participating friendly foreign countries and senior officers of the Indian Navy.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=The Governor, Andhra Pradesh reviews International City Parade (ICP) 2026 |date=2026-02-19 |publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2230603&reg=3&lang=1 |access-date=2026-02-19}}</ref>

The march past commenced at 1600 hours [[Indian Standard Time|IST]] with an [[air show]] by the [[Indian Naval Air Arm]].<ref name=":5" /> Cadets of the [[National Cadet Corps (India)|NCC]]'s Indian [[Sea Cadet Corps]] and the Indian Navy, followed by [[Sainik School, Korukonda|Korukonda Sainik School]] Band and [[Indian Air Force Band]] along with the marching contingents of the [[Indian Coast Guard]], [[Indian Air Force]], [[Indian Army]] and the Indian Navy opened the proceedings. Regiments from [[Australia]], [[Bangladesh]], [[France]], [[Indonesia]], [[Iran]], [[Malaysia]], [[Maldives]], [[Myanmar]], [[Philippines]], [[Russia]], [[Seychelles]], [[South Africa]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Thailand]] and [[Vietnam]] were also present during the march, tailed by state troopers from the [[Greyhounds (police)|Greyhounds]] and the [[Andhra Pradesh Police|Andra Pradesh Police]] and veterans organisations.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=Peri |first=Usha |date=2026-02-20 |title=International City Parade in Visakhapatnam unites naval contingents and bands |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2026/Feb/20/international-city-parade-in-visakhapatnam-unites-naval-contingents-and-bands |access-date=2026-02-21 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> The event concluded with fireworks, a laser light show and a drone display while the warships anchored off the city coast.<ref name=":5" />

The MILAN exercise was inaugurated on the same day by the [[Defence Minister of India]], [[Rajnath Singh]].<ref name=":1" /> Singh addressed the Navy Chiefs and Heads of Delegations from 74 nations who would participate in the exercise.<ref name=":12">{{Cite press release |title=Global fraternity must join hands to tackle evolving maritime challenges, says Raksha Mantri as he inaugurates Exercise MILAN in Vizag |date=2026-02-19 |publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2230212&reg=3&lang=1 |access-date=2026-02-20}}</ref> He had also interacted with the Naval Chiefs and Naval delegations from 9 [[ASEAN]] nations.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=MILAN 2026: Raksha Mantri interacts with visiting Navy Chiefs and Naval delegations from nine ASEAN member states |date=2026-02-19 |publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2230222&reg=3&lang=1&reg=3&lang=1 |access-date=2026-02-20}}</ref>

=== 20 February ===
The Indian Navy hosted the ninth edition of the Conclave of Chiefs of the [[Indian Ocean Naval Symposium]] (IONS). The Indian Navy took over the chairmanship of the IONS for the first time since 2008, from the [[Royal Thai Navy]]. The conclave included the participation of the Chief of Navies and Heads of Maritime Security Agencies of 33 member and observer states of the IONS. During the conclave, the [[Philippines]] joined as an observer while [[Oman]] joined the IONS Working Group on HADR.<ref name=":13">{{Cite news |last=Rao |first=V. Kamalakara |date=2026-02-20 |title=India takes over IONS chair after 16 years at Naval Chiefs’ conclave |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/india-takes-over-ions-chair-after-16-years-at-naval-chiefs-conclave/article70656165.ece |access-date=2026-02-21 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name=":52">{{Cite press release |title=India assumes the chairmanship of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium|date=2026-02-20|publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]]|url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2231000&reg=3&lang=1|access-date=2026-02-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=India assumes chairmanship of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium {{!}} Myanmar International TV |url=https://www.myanmaritv.com/news/india-assumes-chairmanship-indian-ocean-naval-symposium |access-date=2026-02-22 |website=www.myanmaritv.com}}</ref>

The [[Commander of the Iranian Navy]], Commodore [[Shahram Irani]], also met the Indian Navy chief, Tripathi, while he visited India for the events. Irani emphasised the exchange of experience in long-range operations and escort missions for commercial vessels that will suit mutual interests.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-21 |title=Iran Navy Chief in India, Destroyer Docks in Vizag |url=https://kashmirobserver.net/2026/02/21/iran-navy-chief-in-india-destroyer-docks-in-vizag/ |access-date=2026-02-22 |website=Kashmir Observer |language=en-US}}</ref> {{clear}}

==Participating ships==
{{Main|List of ships present at International Fleet Review 2026}}

The 2026 edition of the IFR and MILAN exercise had 74 participating nations with 85 warships including 19 from foreign friendly nations. Meanwhile, the Indian fleet comprised 60 [[Indian Navy]] ships, four [[Indian Coast Guard]] vessels and one ship each from the [[Shipping Corporation of India]] and the [[National Institute of Ocean Technology]].<ref name=":11" /> The Indian Naval Ships will include {{INS|Vikrant|2013|6}}, three submarines,<ref name=":11" /> {{Sclass|Visakhapatnam|destroyer}}s, {{Sclass|Nilgiri|frigate|1|5=2019}}s and [[Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft|''Arnala''-class anti-submarine warfare corvettes]].<ref name=":0" /> Maiden participants with assets includes [[German Navy|Germany]], [[Philippine Navy|Philippines]] and the [[United Arab Emirates Navy|UAE]]. Over 60 [[naval aircraft]]<ref name=":11" /> from three countries will also took part in the events.<ref name=":1" /> {{INS|Sumedha}} served as the [[presidential yacht]] during the IFR on 18 February.<ref>{{Cite web |agency=PTI |date=2026-02-16 |title=President Murmu to witness naval strength at International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam |url=https://theprint.in/india/president-murmu-to-witness-naval-strength-at-international-fleet-review-in-visakhapatnam/2856310/ |access-date=2026-02-16 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ranjan |first=Rajeev |date=2026-02-18 |title=All About 'Made In India' INS Sumedha: President Murmu's 'Presidential Yacht' |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/international-fleet-review-2026-vizag-president-droupadi-murmu-ins-sumedha-saryu-class-offshore-patrol-vehicle-11053409 |access-date=2026-02-18 |work=NDTV}}</ref>

The first set of foreign ships, including {{Ship|MCGS|Huravee|2023|6}}, [[Seychelles Coast Guard#Current vessels|SCGS ''Zoroaster'']] and VPNS 17 from [[Vietnam People's Navy]], made their port call at [[Visakhapatnam]] on 12 February 2026.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Peri |first=Usha |date=2026-02-13 |title=Foreign naval ships arrive in Visakhapatnam ahead of IFR, MILAN, IONS 2026 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2026/Feb/13/foreign-naval-ships-arrive-in-visakhapatnam-ahead-of-ifr-milan-ions-2026 |access-date=2026-02-16 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> As of 14 February, INS ''Vikrant'' was yet to enter the [[Bay of Bengal]].<ref name=":6" /> The [[Russian Navy]] will deploy a frigate of its [[Pacific Fleet (Russia)|Pacific Fleet]] from [[Muscat]], [[Oman]]. The warship will make a port call at Visakhapatnam on 18 February.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 January 2026 |title=India, Russia to hold joint naval drills next month, TASS reports |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-russia-to-hold-joint-naval-drills-next-month-tass-reports/articleshow/127684574.cms?from=mdr |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=28 January 2026 |title=Russia, India to hold joint naval drills in February, TASS reports |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/russia-india-to-hold-joint-naval-drills-in-february-tass-reports/article70559918.ece |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

The Indian Navy welcomed four warships from three Navies, including the [[Royal Australian Navy]], the [[Royal Thai Navy]] and the [[Sri Lanka Navy]], on 16 February.<ref name=":7" /> Another three ships from the [[Bangladesh Navy]], the [[UAE Navy]], and the [[Indonesian Navy]] arrived on 17 February. INS ''Vikrant'' also entered the harbour on this day.<ref name=":8" />

=== Visibility from space ===
The six columns of 52 warships anchored off the coast of Visakhapatnam during the International Fleet Review was captured in an image clicked by the ABA First Runner (AFR) satellite of the Azista Space. INS ''Vikrant'' remained the most prominent vessel in the picture. The image also demonstrated the increasing capabilities of space-based [[Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance|Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance]] (ISR) in the [[Maritime Domain Awareness]] (MDA).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-25 |title=Massive naval buildup with 71 ships seen from space off Visakhapatnam coast |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/massive-naval-buildup-with-71-ships-seen-from-space-off-visakhapatnam-coast-2874228-2026-02-25 |access-date=2026-02-27 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

==Exercise MILAN 2026==
{{Main|Milan (naval exercise)}}

[[File:MILAN26logo.png|left|thumb|201x201px|Milan 2026 commomorative logo]]
A total of 42 ships and submarines along with 29 aircraft participated in the exercise. It also included 18 warships from foreign friendly nations and aircraft from Germany, France and the USA.<ref name=":2">{{Cite press release |title=MILAN 2026 concludes successfully; closing ceremony onboard INS Vikrant marks maritime milestone |date=2026-02-25 |publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2232853&reg=3&lang=1 |access-date=2026-02-27}}</ref>

The MILAN Village was established as a [[residential complex]] dedicatedly constructed to accommodate the naval personnel, officers and their families for the IFR and MILAN 2026 within the premises of {{INS|Satavahana}}, the premier submarine training base of the force. The village also features about 50 stalls to exhibit handlooms, handicrafts, and traditional artefacts from [[Indian States]] as well as foreign navies.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" />

The exercise was inaugurated by the [[Defence Minister of India]], [[Rajnath Singh]], on 19 February. The exercise will be conducted in two phases, Harbour and Sea Phase. The Harbour Phase includes multiple events including the International Maritime Seminar, cross-deck visits, sports interactions and pre-sail planning conferences among others. Meanwhile, the Sea Phase was designed to enhance maritime cooperation and interoperability.<ref name=":12" /> The phase will include coordinated maritime security operations, tactical manoeuvres and communication drills<ref name=":12" /> as well as [[anti-submarine warfare]] (ASW), [[air defence]], and [[search and rescue]] operations.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=MILAN 2026: Raksha Mantri interacts with visiting Navy Chiefs and Naval delegations from nine ASEAN member states |date=2026-02-19 |publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2230222&reg=3&lang=1&reg=3&lang=1 |quote=The discussions also covered the ongoing Sea Phase of MILAN 2026, focusing on complex maritime drills including anti-submarine warfare (ASW), air defence, and search-and-rescue operations. |access-date=2026-02-20}}</ref>

[[File:MILAN 2026.jpg|thumb|Ships in formation during Milan 2026]]
The sea phase of the exercise commenced on 22 February. The phase will include [[Anti-surface warfare|surface firing]] coordination, [[anti-air]], [[Anti-submarine warfare|anti-submarine]] drills along with [[maritime interdiction]], aircraft carrier and [[cross-deck]] helicopter operations. The operations also includes anti-submarine units tasked to detect and track [[Attack submarine|submarines]], aerial exercise for air defence units as well as [[search and rescue]] drills.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peri |first=Usha |date=2026-02-22 |title=Sea Phase of MILAN begins today with naval drills and surface firing |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2026/Feb/22/sea-phase-of-milan-begins-today-with-naval-drills-and-surface-firing |access-date=2026-02-23 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

On 25 February, the exercise culminated with a closing ceremony hosted onboard INS ''Vikrant'' off the coast of Visakhapatnam.<ref name=":2" />

It was reported that the [[Philippine Navy]] ship {{BRP|Miguel Malvar|FFG-6}} was the only one to be able to detect an Indian submarine during the exercise during an [[Anti-submarine warfare|anti submarine drill]]. This was claimed by the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]] spokesperson for the [[West Philippine Sea]], [[Rear admiral|Rear Admiral]] Roy Vincent Trinidad. The Indian Navy has deployed its {{Sclass|Sindhughosh|submarine}}s in the exercise.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dava |first=Bianca |title=PH Navy ship detects Indian submarine during multilateral drills {{!}} ABS-CBN News |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/25/ph-navy-ship-detects-indian-submarine-during-multilateral-drills-1514 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260326012739/https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/25/ph-navy-ship-detects-indian-submarine-during-multilateral-drills-1514 |archive-date=2026-03-26 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=ABS-CBN |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Post event ==
During its return journey on 4 March 2026, amid the [[2026 Iran war]], the participating ship from the [[Iran]]ian Navy, {{ship|IRIS|Dena}}, was sunk by a [[USS Charlotte (SSN-766)|US Navy submarine]] in international waters near the southern coast of [[Sri Lanka]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jayasinghe |first1=Uditha |last2=Ali |first2=Idrees |last3=Stewart |first3=Phil |title=U.S. sub sinks Iranian warship off Sri Lanka, killing 87 and expanding war zone |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/sri-lanka-rescues-30-people-board-distressed-iranian-ship-foreign-minister-says-2026-03-04/ |access-date=4 March 2026 |work=Reuters |date=4 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-06 |title=India allows Iranian warship to dock at Kochi, crew housed at naval facilities |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-allows-iranian-warship-to-dock-at-kochi-crew-housed-at-naval-facilities-101772816133475.html |access-date=2026-03-06 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> Subsequently India allowed Iranian warship [[IRIS Lavan]] to dock at [[Cochin Port|Kochi]] on 4 March 2026 with 183-member crew housed at naval facilities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-06 |title=India allows Iranian warship to dock at Kochi, crew housed at naval facilities |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-allows-iranian-warship-to-dock-at-kochi-crew-housed-at-naval-facilities-101772816133475.html |access-date=2026-03-06 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> Sri Lanka allowed another Iranian warship [[IRIS Bushehr]] to dock at Trincomalee port and housed its 208-member crew at the naval camp on 5 March 2026.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ellis-Petersen |first=Hannah |date=2026-03-05 |title=Sri Lanka evacuates crew from Iranian navy vessel days after warship was destroyed by US |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/05/iran-ship-sri-lanka-port-after-us-sinking-of-frigate |access-date=2026-03-06 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

India's former chief of naval staff, Admiral [[Arun Prakash]], commented that "It’s a bit of treachery of the US to attend a peaceful function side-by-side with Iranian navy, where there’s a lot of camaraderie, and then the moment the Iranian ship pops out of harbour, it’s sunk ... They could have delayed this action to spare India this embarrassment."<ref name=guardian-20260315>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/15/us-attack-iris-dena-undermines-indian-security-ties-iran |title='Bit of treachery': US attack on IRIS Dena undermines Indian security ties |last1=Ellis-Petersen |first1=Hannah |last2=Wipulasena |first2=Aanya |newspaper=The Guardian |date=15 March 2026 |access-date=15 March 2026}}</ref>

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
File:Vietnamese Corvette VPNS-17.webp|Upgraded Petya class corvette VPNS-17 of Vietnam
File:KING aUNG zEYA.webp|UMS King Aung Zeya from Myanmar
File:IRIS Dena.webp|[[IRIS Dena]] from the Iranian Navy
File:Al Emaraat.webp|Al Emarat, a corvette of the UAE Navy, arriving in India ahead of the Fleet Review
</gallery>

==See also==
{{Commons category|International Fleet Review 2026}}
*[[International Fleet Review 2016]]
*[[International Fleet Review 2013]]
*[[International Fleet Review 2005]]
*[[President's fleet review]]
*[[Fleet review (Commonwealth realms)]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

[[Category:Military exercises and wargames]]
[[Category:February 2026 in India]]
[[Category:Visakhapatnam]]
[[Category:2020s in Andhra Pradesh]]

International Fleet Review 2026 - Revision history

LayneMatos1 at 18:26, 6 May 2026