Full Breakdown
India-UK Naval Exercise Konkan-26 Concludes Off Plymouth
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Core Event: Joint Sea Phase with INS Trishul and HMS Sutherland
From 12 to 15 October 2026, the Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Trishul and the Royal Navy’s anti-submarine frigate HMS Sutherland completed the sea phase of Exercise Konkan-26 off Plymouth. Conducted under the Royal Navy’s Fleet Operational Standards and Training (FOST) programme, the four-day period featured seamanship manoeuvres, joint tactical drills, communication procedures, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, and live-fire firings in a multi-threat environment. The drills aimed to improve interoperability between the two navies.
Background & Context
Konkan-26 is the India-UK bilateral maritime exercise that began in 2004, named after India’s western Konkan coast. The exercise alternates locations; previous UK-hosted iterations included INS Tarkash (2017, 2019) and INS Tabar (2021). The 2025 edition was held off India’s western coast with carrier groups led by INS Vikrant and HMS Prince of Wales. The 2026 edition continued the pattern of professional exchanges and joint training.
Key Participants
- INS Trishul – Talwar-class guided-missile frigate (commissioned 2003).
- HMS Sutherland – Type 23 anti-submarine frigate.
- FGS Hessen – German frigate.
- HNoMS Otto Sverdrup – Norwegian frigate.
- HMS Express – Royal Navy Coastal Forces vessel.
- NRP Tridente – Portuguese submarine that sailed from Devonport on 13 October and acted as an opposing submarine.
Timeline
- 8 October – INS Trishul arrived at Devonport for a harbour phase that included cross-deck visits and cultural engagements.
- 12 October – Sea phase commenced with joint drills under FOST supervision.
- 13 October – NRP Tridente departed Devonport, serving as the opposing submarine.
- 15 October – Sea phase concluded; INS Trishul left Plymouth.
- Later in October – Planned exercises with the Portuguese navy in Lisbon.
Data & Statistics
- Total exercise duration: 8 days (harbour phase early October, sea phase 12-15 October).
- Sea-phase length: 4 days of intensive training.
- Participating surface vessels: six warships from India, the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway and Portugal.
- In August 2026, INS Trishul escorted tankers MT Compass and MT Thalatta through the Bab el-Mandeb shortly after the sinking of the Indian-flagged MSV Faize Noore Oliya.
Official Statements & Responses
- FOST, the Royal Navy’s training organisation, provided the structured framework for the joint drills.
What’s Next
After departing Plymouth, INS Trishul will visit Lisbon for further exercises with the Portuguese navy. These engagements follow Red Sea escort missions, Exercise Varuna with the French navy, and a port call in Valencia, Spain.