Iran sent its Dena destroyer to participate in the MILAN 2026 Naval Exercise in India. The Indian Navy hosted the event at Visakhapatnam port, and 72 countries joined the exercise. This major international event brings together navies from around the world. The 10-day exercise ranks among the largest naval events in the India and Oceania region. More than 60 warships and three foreign aircraft take part. Countries include Russia, China, Japan, Germany, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, the United States, and several Southeast Asian and African nations.
MILAN 2026 has two main phases: harbor and sea. During the harbor phase, officers attend specialized meetings, an international maritime seminar, and training sessions for young officers. Meanwhile, the sea phase focuses on practical exercises, including aircraft carrier operations, anti-submarine warfare, air defense drills, naval gunnery, search and rescue missions, and multinational tactical maneuvers. In addition, the Indian Navy showcased its major capabilities during the exercise, including aircraft carriers and Visakhapatnam-class destroyers. These activities aim to improve coordination between navies, enhance maritime awareness, and strengthen collective responses in international waters. All operations strictly follow international maritime law.
By participating, Iran and other countries hope to strengthen naval cooperation, share knowledge, and improve safety at sea. Officials emphasized that the exercise allows countries to respond faster and more effectively to maritime emergencies and challenges. Furthermore, the exercise provides a platform for navies to exchange ideas, test skills, and demonstrate new technologies. Young officers gain hands-on experience in international operations and learn best practices from peers in other countries.
MILAN 2026 also highlights the importance of global naval collaboration. Moreover, it emphasizes that countries must work together to keep seas safe and stable for trade and navigation. The exercise demonstrates growing trust and operational coordination among participating navies. Finally, the 10-day exercise will conclude with participating navies leaving stronger ties, better skills, and greater readiness for future joint missions. MILAN 2026 serves as a model for international cooperation and shows the shared commitment of nations to peace and security at sea.