The India-UK bilateral maritime exercise KONKAN-26 concluded off Plymouth, UK on October 15, 2026. The exercise was conducted from October 8-15, 2026, enabling the Indian Navy and Royal Navy to engage across a wide range of professional and operational domains. The Indian Navy was represented by the stealth frigate INS Trishul, while the Royal Navy deployed HMS Sutherland, a Duke-class anti-submarine warfare frigate. The exercise was conducted by Fleet Operational Standards and Training (FOST) of the Royal Navy.
The intensive four-day Sea Phase from October 12-15 encompassed advanced seamanship manoeuvres, joint tactical exercises, communication procedures, anti-surface asymmetric warfare, anti-submarine warfare and weapon firings in a multi-threat maritime environment. These serials enhanced interoperability between the participating units. Through the exchange of professional expertise and Best Practices, KONKAN-26 reinforced the ability of both navies to operate together across complex maritime scenarios, furthering the enduring maritime partnership between India and the UK.