Exercise KONKAN 2026: INS Trishul Arrives at Plymouth, UK

Indian Navy’s guided-missile stealth frigate INS Trishul has arrived at Plymouth, United Kingdom, to take part in Exercise KONKAN 2026 with the Royal Navy. KONKAN is the annual India-UK bilateral maritime exercise.

Key Details About Exercise KONKAN 2026

• Participants: Indian Navy (INS Trishul) and the Royal Navy 
• Location: Off Plymouth, United Kingdom
• Dates: October 8 to 15, 2026

Harbour Phase

This phase includes professional interactions, cross-deck visits, sports fixtures and cultural engagements. The ship will also be opened to visitors.

Sea Phase

This phase covers operational drills in the air, on the surface and under the sea. The activities include:

• Cross-deck helicopter landings
• Weapon firing serials
• Air defence exercises
• Complex seamanship evolutions
• Anti-submarine warfare exercises

Technical Specifications of INS Trishul

The reference text does not give technical details, so these come from general knowledge. INS Trishul is a stealth frigate of the Talwar class (Project 11356), built in Russia and commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2003.

• Displacement: About 4,000 tonnes
• Length: About 125 metres
• Speed: Over 30 knots
• Weapons: BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, surface-to-air missiles, a 100 mm gun and anti-submarine weapons
• Aviation: Can operate a helicopter on board

How Is Exercise KONKAN 2026 Important for India?

KONKAN 2026 shows the lasting maritime partnership between India and the UK. Working together in complex drills helps both navies understand each other’s methods and operate smoothly side by side.

The exercise reaffirms the shared commitment to secure, open and free seas. It also reflects the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership set out in the India-UK Vision 2035. By sharing best practices, both navies become better prepared for complex maritime situations and for protecting maritime peace and security.