Kochi, Jul 23 (NVI): A four-day multinational maritime security training exercise, Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, concluded at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi on Thursday, with participation of 276 personnel from 27 countries, the Indian Navy said.
The exercise, conducted in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) under the aegis of the Southern Naval Command and the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 154, also involved 76 facilitators and subject matter experts, besides representatives from four international organisations.
According to the Navy, the programme featured discussions and practical training on maritime domain awareness, information sharing, maritime law, counter-narcotics operations, force protection measures, asymmetric threats, maritime uncrewed systems and operational sea training.
Participants also underwent hands-on training in damage control and firefighting, maritime communications, survival at sea and boarding procedures, including sea training onboard an Indian Naval ship.
The Navy said the four-day engagement generated around 3,800 training man-hours and helped strengthen interoperability, professional networks and operational coordination among participating countries.
It added that the exercise showcased the Indian Navy’s modern training infrastructure and reinforced its partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces while highlighting the Southern Naval Command’s role as a key hub for professional maritime training.
