Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 will be held at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, from 20 to 23 July 2026. The four-day multinational maritime training is conducted by the Indian Navy with the Combined Maritime Forces under Combined Task Force 154.
Exercise Overview
- Dates: 20–23 July 2026.
- Duration: Four days of combined training and practical drills.
- Host Location: Southern Naval Command, Kochi — Indian Navy’s primary training command.
- Organising Partnership: Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) via Combined Task Force‑154 (training task force).
CTF‑154 and CMF
- CMF Headquarters: Manama, Bahrain; multinational coalition for maritime security in key sea lanes.
- CTF‑154 role: Dedicated CMF task force for training, professional development and interoperability.
- Indian role: Indian Navy assumed command of CTF‑154 in February 2026.
Training Modules & Tactical Topics
- Maritime law: Jurisdiction, innocent passage, hot pursuit and boarding authorities under UNCLOS (1982) principles.
- Maritime domain awareness: Surveillance, information‑sharing and common operating picture.
- Counter‑narcotics / counter‑trafficking: Interdiction, VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure) and evidence handling.
- Maritime uncrewed systems: UUVs/USVs/UAVs for ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance).
- Damage control & survivability: Firefighting, flooding control and emergency response drills.
Participation & Platforms
- Participants: Personnel from roughly 25–47 CMF partner nations, including Australia, Canada, Japan, USA, UK, UAE, Oman and Seychelles.
- Platforms: Classroom instruction, simulator training and practical exercises aboard Indian naval ship(s).
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- CTF numbering: CMF task forces include CTF‑150 (counter‑terrorism), CTF‑151 (counter‑piracy), CTF‑152 (Gulf security) and CTF‑154 (training).
- VBSS: Standard boarding procedure used for interdiction and law enforcement at sea.
- UNCLOS link: Rules on jurisdiction, right of visit and use of force inform maritime law training modules.