CONTENTS
- Exercise MILAN 2024
- Exercise Samudra Laksamana
Exercise MILAN 2024
Context:
Exercise MILAN 2024 recently concluded with the closing ceremony held aboard the INS Vikrant, marking the end of the Sea Phase off Visakhapatnam.
Relevance:
GS III: Security Challenges
MILAN 2024: 12th Edition of Multilateral Naval Exercise
Introduction:
- MILAN 2024 marks the 12th edition of the biennial Multilateral Naval Exercise held in Visakhapatnam, under the Eastern Naval Command’s supervision.
Objective:
- The primary goal of MILAN is to enhance professional interaction among friendly navies and to gain experience in multilateral large-force operations at sea.
Historical Background:
- MILAN had its inception in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 1995, with the participation of navies from Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Participating Nations:
- The 2024 edition saw the involvement of various nations, fostering collaboration and synergy among friendly navies.
Two-Phase Structure:
- Harbour Phase:
- Features activities such as the International Maritime Seminar, city parades, tech exhibitions, expert exchanges, youth officer gatherings, and sports events.
- The International Maritime Seminar was themed ‘Partners across Oceans: Collaboration, Synergy, Growth.’
- Sea Phase:
- Involves the active participation of ships and aircraft from friendly nations, including units from the Indian Navy, such as carriers and other naval assets.
Exercise Samudra Laksamana
Context:
The third edition of Exercise Samudra Laksamana is currently underway from February 28 to March 2, 2024, at/off the coast of Visakhapatnam.
Relevance:
GS III: Security Challenges
Exercise Samudra Laksamana 2024: Fostering Naval Collaboration
- Participating Naval Ships:
- Indian Naval Ship Kiltan and Royal Malaysian Ship KD Lekir are actively engaged in this joint exercise.
Phases of Exercise:
- Harbour Phase:
- Crews from both ships partake in diverse professional interactions, including Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, sports fixtures, and other engagements, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.
- Operational Phase at Sea:
- The sea phase involves joint operations, where units from both navies collaborate to enhance their skills and execute various maritime operations.
Objectives:
- Knowledge Enhancement:
- Harbour interactions aim to broaden the knowledge base through professional exchanges and the sharing of best practices.
- Cooperation on Maritime Aspects:
- The exercise serves as a platform for sharing expertise and insights, further strengthening cooperation on crucial maritime aspects.
Interoperability and Bonds:
- Enhancing Interoperability:
- The exercise is designed to improve interoperability between the Indian and Royal Malaysian Navy, fostering seamless collaboration in naval operations.
- Strengthening Bonds:
- By jointly honing skills and conducting operations at sea, the participating navies aim to build stronger bonds and camaraderie.
