The Iranian Navy has sent its Dena destroyer to the Indian Ocean to participate in the MILAN-2026 naval exercises. The ship docked at Visakhapatnam, a key port in the Bay of Bengal, demonstrating Iran’s operational capabilities and focus on maritime cooperation. MILAN exercises are held every two years in the Indian Ocean. They bring together navies from multiple countries to share experiences, coordinate operations, and enhance maritime security.
Iran is a member of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), which includes 25 countries. In addition, Russia, Italy, Germany, Japan, Spain, China, and the Netherlands participate as observers. IONS began in 2008 to improve dialogue and collaboration among Indian Ocean navies. Iranian Navy Chief Rear Admiral Shahram Irani attended the opening ceremony of MILAN-2026 in Visakhapatnam. Moreover, he joined the IONS conclave, where India officially assumed the chairmanship from Thailand. The meeting gathered navy chiefs and maritime security leaders from 33 countries, including member and observer states.
The Indian Navy explained that the exercise helps member navies develop professional relations, exchange operational knowledge, and improve coordination on maritime security. During the event, Admiral Irani emphasized Iran’s commitment to sharing naval expertise and increasing cooperation with other countries. In particular, he held meetings with his South African and Sri Lankan counterparts to discuss collaboration. “The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to share experiences in technical, operational, and training areas with the South African Navy,” Irani said in his meeting with Vice Admiral Monde Lobese of South Africa.
In response, Lobese welcomed Iran’s participation and praised it as a responsible contribution to maritime security. Furthermore, Admiral Irani met with Sri Lankan Navy Commander Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda. He said Tehran seeks to strengthen ties with friendly countries through marine diplomacy. “We aim to expand cooperation in technical training, sharing expertise, and joint drills. In this way, naval cooperation supports peace, security, and sustainable growth,” Irani added.
Banagoda highlighted the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean and called for stronger collaboration among regional countries. By joining MILAN-2026, Iran reinforces its focus on marine diplomacy and international naval engagement. In addition, the exercise helps Tehran build stronger ties with friendly nations while contributing to security in the Indian Ocean region.