Indian Navy to Host Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 at Southern Naval Command, Kochi

The Indian Navy will host Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, a four-day multinational maritime training engagement, at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, from 20 to 23 July 2026. The program is conducted in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), under the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), CMF's dedicated Training Task Force. Personnel from CMF Partner Nations will take part, gaining hands-on maritime security training and exchanging best practices.

Key Highlights of Operation Southern Readiness 26-2

• Four-day engagement at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, from 20–23 July 2026.
• Conducted under CTF 154, the Indian Navy-led Training Task Force of CMF.
• Brings together personnel from CMF Partner Nations, a grouping of over 40 member nations.
• Showcases the Navy's modern training infrastructure, advanced simulators and instructional expertise.
• Reinforces Southern Naval Command's standing as a leading multinational maritime training hub.

Training Programme under Operation Southern Readiness 26-2

The training combines classroom instruction, simulator-based sessions, and practical exposure. Sessions cover 

1. Maritime Law
2. Maritime Domain Awareness and Information Sharing
3. Counter-Narcotics
4. Force Protection
5. Asymmetric Threats
6. Maritime Uncrewed Systems. 

Participants will also train in Damage Control and Firefighting, maritime communications, Survival at Sea, boarding procedures, and hands-on exercises aboard an Indian Naval ship.

Importance of the Operation Southern Readiness 26-2

The exercise strengthens the Indian Navy's contribution to regional capacity building and collective maritime security through its CMF partnership. By blending theoretical instruction with practical application, it aims to enhance interoperability, professional understanding, and cooperation among participating nations,  while positioning India as a preferred destination for professional sea training.