Exercise Konkan 2025

The United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, commenced the four-day Exercise Konkan with the Indian Navy in the Western Indian Ocean. The joint maritime drill aims to enhance interoperability and combined maritime–air capabilities between the two navies.

First-Ever CSG-to-CSG Exercise

First held in 2004, Exercise Konkan has traditionally been a biennial bilateral exercise between India and the U.K. However, the 2025 edition is historic, marking the first-ever engagement involving both nations’ Carrier Strike Groups — the U.K.’s HMS Prince of Wales and India’s INS Vikrant.

Focus on Maritime Synergy

The exercise will include advanced manoeuvres, joint air operations, and anti-submarine warfare drills, aimed at strengthening coordination, tactical understanding, and operational interoperability between the two maritime forces.

Post-Exercise Port Calls

After the exercise, British warships will make port calls in Mumbai and Goa, reflecting the deepening defence partnership between the two nations. The visits will also highlight bilateral trade, industrial cooperation, and the strong “living bridge” of people and culture connecting India and the U.K.

Part of Operation Highmast

Exercise Konkan forms part of Operation Highmast, a multinational deployment led by the U.K. Carrier Strike Group. The operation provides an opportunity for the U.K. Armed Forces to conduct major global deployments and complex maritime operations alongside partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific region.