WANA (Feb 23) – The destroyer Dena of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy has taken part in the large-scale multinational naval exercise MILAN 2026, hosted by the Indian Navy and attended by 72 countries.

 

The 10-day exercise officially began at the port of Visakhapatnam and is regarded as one of the most significant maritime events in the Indo-Pacific region. More than 60 warships and three foreign aircraft are participating in the drills. The Iranian destroyer Dena joined the naval parade marking the opening of the exercise.

 

MILAN 2026 is being conducted in two phases — harbor and sea — and includes participation from numerous countries, including Iran, Russia, China, Japan, Germany, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, the United States, and several Southeast Asian and African nations. The scale of the event underscores India’s position as a major maritime power in the region.

 

During the exercise, the Indian Navy has deployed key assets, including aircraft carriers and Visakhapatnam-class destroyers.

 

The sea phase will feature a range of operations, including carrier strike operations, anti-submarine warfare, air defense drills, live-fire naval exercises, search and rescue missions, and multinational tactical maneuvers. The harbor phase includes expert meetings, an international maritime seminar, and training programs for junior officers.

 

According to organizers, the exercise aims to enhance interoperability, improve maritime domain awareness, and strengthen collective response capabilities in accordance with international maritime law.

 

The program is also expected to include a presidential fleet review at sea, showcasing elements of India’s indigenous naval capabilities.

 

Held under the motto “Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration,” MILAN 2026 seeks to deepen operational engagement, promote maritime diplomacy, and expand partnerships among the world’s navies.