The Vizag Naval Trifecta 2026: A Historic Confluence of Global Navies - IFR & MILAN 2026 - AP Events
The "City of Destiny" Visakhapatnam, has once again etched its name in maritime history. From February 15 to 25, 2026, the city hosted an unprecedented "Naval Trifecta"—the International Fleet Review (IFR), Exercise MILAN, and the IONS Conclave of Chiefs.
This wasn’t just a show of strength; it was a masterclass in naval diplomacy, bringing together over 70 nations under the theme "United Through Oceans."
1. The Grand Review: A Presidential Spectacle
On February 18, 2026, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, reviewed the assembled fleet.
The Presidential Yacht: The President embarked on INS Sumedha, an indigenously built NOPV, adorned with the Ashoka Emblem.
The Fleet: A total of 85 ships participated, including 60 from the Indian Navy, 4 from the Coast Guard, and 19 foreign warships.
Key Fact Check: While earlier reports estimated 50 nations, the final count saw 74 participating countries, making it the most inclusive fleet review to date.
2. The VIP Row: National & State Leadership
The event was a rare gathering of India’s top political and military brass:
Central Leadership: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh formally inaugurated Exercise MILAN 2026 at the Samudrika Auditorium, praising the global confidence in India’s maritime leadership.
State Pride: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan were prominent attendees. Their presence highlighted the state's strategic role in India’s "Act East" policy.
Naval Chiefs: Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi (CNS) hosted the IONS Conclave, where naval heads from across the Indian Ocean Region discussed collective security.
3. The "Stars" of the Bay of Bengal
The waters off Vizag were a gallery of cutting-edge naval architecture:
INS Vikrant: India’s indigenous aircraft carrier was the undisputed centerpiece, symbolizing Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Global Guests: For the first time, assets from Germany, the Philippines (BRP Miguel Malvar), and the UAE (Al Emarat) participated.
Operational Edge: The review featured three Indian Navy submarines and a flypast by over 60 aircraft, including the MiG-29K and the French Atlantique maritime patrol aircraft.
4. Cultural Bridge: MILAN Village & City Parade
Beyond the steel and sonar, the event celebrated human connection:
MILAN Village: Inaugurated by Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla (ENC Chief), this hub featured 50 stalls of Indian handicrafts, handlooms, and global cuisines.
International City Parade: On Feb 19, the RK Beach Road saw a stunning display of marching contingents from 45 foreign navies, alongside a thrilling demo by Indian MARCOS (Marine Commandos).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the official website for IFR 2026?
The official portal for all updates, schedules, and participant details is
2. How many countries participated in IFR/MILAN 2026?
A total of 74 nations participated, with 19 foreign warships and over 60 aircraft taking part in the maneuvers.
3. Which Indian leaders attended the event?
The event was attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, AP CM Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyanand and Union Minister for Civil Aviation K Rammohan Naidu.
4. What was the theme of Exercise MILAN 2026?
The theme was "Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration," focusing on interoperability and maritime security.
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Disclaimer
General Information Only: This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the details regarding the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 and Exercise MILAN, some information—including specific ship deployments, attendee lists, and event schedules—is based on official press releases, the event portal (ifrmilan26.com), and publicly available media reports at the time of writing.
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