Warships from US, Russia, and Iran to Converge in India for Multinational 'Milan' Exercise: In an extraordinary show of unity amidst global tensions, warships from the US, Russia, Iran, and other countries are set to join India's naval drill, Exercise Milan, in Visakhapatnam. This exercise, which includes participants from 51 nations, will encompass discussions, table-top exercises, and a harbor phase emulating collaborative humanitarian missions. The participation of a US Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, along with two Russian warships and an Iranian warship, is particularly noteworthy. Despite strained relations, India, the US, Australia, and Japan will join hands for this exercise, with China notably absent from the guest list. Israel, although invited, has declined participation citing current circumstances.

Experience MILAN 2024 as 51 nations come together in Visakhapatnam, India, for a significant naval exercise from February 19 to 27, 2024. The event will include cultural exchanges, large-scale

maneuvers, and naval operations aimed at improving skills and fostering cooperation among participating navies.
In just a few days, the coastal city of Visakhapatnam will witness a flurry of maritime activity as India gears up to host the eagerly awaited MILAN 2024 naval exercise. From February 19 to 27, 2024, over 50 nations, including the US, Russia, and Iran, will gather to take part in this prestigious event.
A Fusion of Cultures and Cooperative Endeavors

MILAN 2024 promises to be an unparalleled assembly of maritime forces, featuring 35 warships, submarines, and 50 aircraft from participating nations. The exercise is divided into two main phases: the Harbor phase and the Sea phase. During the Harbor phase, emphasis will be placed on cultural exchange and cooperation, with navies from across the globe engaging in activities such as an international maritime exhibition, technical displays, city parades, and interactions among junior officers.

Large-Scale Maneuvers and Naval Operations

However, it is during the Sea phase that the real action will unfold. Warships, submarines, and aircraft from participating countries will come together for large-scale maneuvers and naval operations. The US, Russia, and Iran are among the nations contributing warships, which will be divided into separate teams for this phase. The primary focus will be on improving interoperability and communication at sea, with particular attention given to addressing common maritime challenges.
Facilitating Cooperation and Implementing Best Practices

One of the main objectives of MILAN 2024 is to encourage collaboration and the exchange of best practices among participating navies. The exercise will provide a platform for discussing pressing maritime threats and challenges, such as piracy in the Gulf of Aden and attacks on merchant vessels by Houthi rebels. Additionally, the event will underscore the growing significance of unmanned operations and their role in the future of maritime security.

As the countdown to MILAN 2024 commences, Visakhapatnam is preparing to welcome naval forces from around the world. This biennial exercise, which debuted in 1995, has grown in importance over the years, underscoring the value of cooperation in maintaining maritime security. With participation from 51 countries and a diverse array of activities planned, MILAN 2024 is poised to be a truly memorable event showcasing the strength of unity in the face of shared challenges.
Key Highlights:

• India will host the MILAN 2024 naval exercise in Visakhapatnam from February 19 to 27, 2024.
• 51 countries, including the US, Russia, and Iran, will participate, contributing 35 warships, submarines, and 50 aircraft.
• The exercise will comprise two phases: the Harbor phase for cultural exchange and the Sea phase for large-scale maneuvers and naval operations.
• The event aims to enhance skills, promote cooperation, and incorporate best practices among participating navies.
• Focus areas include discussing maritime threats and challenges, such as piracy and unmanned operations.