MILAN 2024: Over 50 countries to participate in maritime exercise at Vizag

Visakhapatnam: Vizag coastal city is all set to host the International maritime event MILAN 2024. Delegations from nearly 50 countries will take part in the 12th edition of the MILAN exercise from February 19 to 27.

Fifteen ships and one Maritime Patrol Aircraft from friendly foreign countries are going to participate in the sea exercise. From the Indian Navy, nearly 20 ships, including aircraft carriers Vikrant and Vikramaditya, and nearly 50 aircraft, including MiG 29K and P8I, will participate in the event.

Highlights of the harbor phase from Feb 19 to 23 include the International City Parade, International Maritime Seminar, Milan Tech Expo, MILAN Village, Subject Matter Expert Exchange, and Table Top Exercise.

During the sea phase, participating navies will conduct advanced Air Defence, Anti-Submarine, and Anti Surface Warfare drills. Gunnery shoots on aerial and surface targets, maneuvers, and underway replenishment would also be conducted.

MILAN would be an excellent platform for the participating navies to share ideas to enhance security on the high seas and ensure the safety of maritime commerce for the growth and prosperity of all. Sea exercise would enhance interoperability, enable the exchange of best practices, and boost confidence to undertake missions together in the future, to tackle common challenges.

The Harbour Phase celebrations would kick off on Feb 21 at the Naval Auditorium Samudrika. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to inaugurate the MILAN Village at the Naval Base. Vice-President of India Jagdeep Dhankar will be the chief guest in the events at the Naval Auditorium on Feb 22 morning while Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will be the chief guest at the International City Parade and Carnival to be held at RK Beach stretch on Feb 22 evening. There will be no VVIP visits to the Sea Phase events of the MILAN.

Showcasing Indian Navy on World Stage in MILAN-2024

In the rapidly evolving landscape of global security, the Indian Navy has emerged as a stalwart defender, armed with advanced weaponry, strategic vision, and technological innovation. The MILAN-2024 will be the 12th edition of this exercise, being held in Vizag from Feb 19 to 27. The MILAN will be an appropriate platform to showcase the Indian Navy of Amrit Kaal on the world stage. The event is likely to witness its largest-ever participation of over 50 friendly foreign countries.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar said that the MILAN aims to promote professional and cultural interaction amongst the participating nations and would involve Naval exercises like large-force maneuvers, advanced air defence operations, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-surface operations which are aimed at honing the skills of operators, maintainers, planners, and executors across the full range of their skill-sets. It will also give the navies a chance to learn, incorporate, and imbibe the best practices and enable doctrinal learning in the maritime domain through professional interactions, he added.

Recognizing the interconnected nature of maritime security and cooperation, the Indian Navy has intensified its collaborations on the international stage. MILAN exercise is one of the flagship events of the Indian Navy to engage with Navies of Friendly Foreign Countries. MILAN was incepted in 1995 as a biennial multinational event. This is the 12th edition of MILAN and for the second time, it is being hosted by the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) of the Indian Navy in Vizag city. The previous ten editions have been held at Port Blair under the aegis of the Tri-Service Andaman and Nicobar Command.

As India propels itself into a future marked by unprecedented challenges and opportunities, it is undergoing a transformative journey, ensuring preparedness for the complex maritime scenarios of tomorrow. Over the past few years, the Indian Navy has achieved self-reliance in the Naval shipbuilding industry, with multiple public sector shipyards supporting this indigenization effort.

India joined a select group of few countries that can build Aircraft carriers and submarines indigenously. From a humble beginning in 1972, when the first steel was cut for Nilgiri class ships to this present day, where more than 45 ships and submarines are under construction for India’s Blue water navy, the country has truly entered the Amrit Kaal.

At the heart of the Indian Navy’s transformation lies its commitment to embrace the technological advancement of the digital era. It has ventured into Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine learning, and Cyber Warfare thereby significantly enhancing its capabilities to combat modern threats with state-of-the-art surveillance systems and advanced communication networks. Indigenous innovation stands as a cornerstone of the future-ready navy.

To achieve self-reliance and promote Make-in-India, the Indian Navy is currently engaged with more than 75 MSMEs for the development of various indigenous systems giving a significant boost to economic activity and creating employment opportunities. From stealth frigates to ASW vessels, India’s naval arsenal is bolstered by indigenously manufactured assets, showcasing the nation’s self-reliance in defense production and imbibing Atamnirbharta. India has successfully transformed from a buyer’s navy to a builder’s navy.

Navigating the seas of tomorrow, the Indian Navy sails with confidence, ensuring that the nation’s maritime boundaries are secure and its interests are protected, today and for generations to come.