CONTENTS

1. Exercise MILAN 2024
2. 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.