Visakhapatnam to host multi-national naval exercise MILAN from February 19
Jan 10, 2024
Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) [India], January 10 : The 12th edition of the Indian Navy's multi-national exercise, MILAN 24, is all set to be organised in Visakhapatnam from February 19 to 27.
Previously, the 11th edition of this exercise was held in February-March here under the Eastern Naval Command with the theme 'Camaraderie-Cohesion-Collaboration'.
MILAN is a biennial multi-national naval exercise which started in 1995 with participation of four foreign countries (Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand) in consonance with India's 'Look East policy'.
The exercise flourished under the aegis of Andaman and Nicobar command till its 10th edition. With the growing stature of the exercise and requirement of a larger staging and hosting base, Vishakhapatnam, the city of destiny was chosen as the preferred venue for future MILAN exercises.
Visakhapatnam is ideal to host the event owing to various aspects, namely major commercial hub, large port, steep coastal gradient closer to its shores enabling Ships to operate closer to the shore and long coastline offering excellent viewing experience for the public.
The scenic view from RK Beach in particular, coupled with excellent infrastructure is conducive to host various events planned during MILAN for the local populace along the shore, such as Operational Demonstration and International City Parade.
The exercise would comprise two phases -- 'harbour phase' and 'sea phase'. The harbour phase, aimed to promote cultural sharing amongst the participating nations, would comprise of International Maritime Seminar, International City Parade, Maritime Tech Exhibition, Subject Matter Expert Exchange, Milan of Young Officers and various sporting events.
During the Sea phase, ships along with Maritime Patrol aircraft and submarines of Friendly Foreign Countries would participate along with the Indian Navy's Aircraft Carriers and other units. It will involve large-force manoeuvres, advanced air defence operations, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface operations.
