New Delhi: Indian Navy’s guided missile stealth frigate INS Trishul arrived at Plymouth, United Kingdom on October 08, 2026. The ship is scheduled to participate in Exercise KONKAN-26 with the Royal Navy from October 08-15.
India-UK annual bilateral maritime exercise, KONKAN-26, is a testament to the enduring maritime partnership between India and the UK. Over the past two decades, the exercise has grown significantly in scale and complexity, fostering enhanced interoperability and mutual understanding in maritime operations between the two Navies. Since its inception, KONKAN has evolved into a cornerstone of cooperation, showcasing the commitment of both Navies towards enhancing maritime security.
The exercise is being conducted off Plymouth, UK, in two phases from October 08-15, 2026. The Harbour Phase includes a broad spectrum of professional interactions, cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, cultural engagements and the ship being open to visitors.
The Sea Phase will encompass complex maritime operational drills across all three domains – air, surface and sub-surface. Flying operations involving cross-deck landings, firing serials, air defence exercises, complex seamanship evolutions and anti-submarine exercises will add further complexity to this edition of Exercise KONKAN.
The exercise is a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to ensuring secure, open and free seas and exemplifies the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership outlined in the India-UK Vision 2035.
By fostering the exchange of best practices and mutual understanding, KONKAN-26 will reinforce the ability of both Navies to operate seamlessly in complex maritime scenarios. The exercise stands as a testament to the enduring bonds between the Indian and UK Navies and their shared commitment to maritime peace and security.
