In News:

The Indian Navy, along with partner nations, is participating in Exercise Sea Dragon 2026.

About Exercise Sea Dragon

Exercise Sea Dragon is an annual multinational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) drill initiated and led by the United States Navy since 2019. It is held at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in the Western Pacific.

Key Features

• Focuses on anti-submarine warfare operations, a critical aspect of modern naval strategy.
• Participation involves long-range maritime patrol aircraft, notably the P-8 Poseidon.
• Provides a platform for operational coordination and interoperability among partner nations.
• Enhances real-time information sharing, communication protocols, and tactical alignment.

Participating Countries in 2026

Exercise Sea Dragon 2026 includes participation from:

• United States Navy
• Indian Navy
• Royal Australian Air Force
• Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force
• Royal New Zealand Air Force

This reflects a growing strategic convergence among Indo-Pacific democracies.

Operational Objectives

The exercise aims to:

1. Enhance ASW Capabilities

• Participants progress from simulated tracking to live submarine detection and tracking.
• Improves the ability to counter underwater threats in real-world scenarios.

2. Promote Interoperability

• Enables seamless coordination between forces operating similar platforms like P-8 aircraft.
• Standardises data-sharing systems, communication networks, and tactical procedures.

3. Build Aircrew Proficiency

• Crews are evaluated on speed, accuracy, and mission coordination.
• Structured scenarios test operational readiness under competitive conditions.

Competitive Element: Dragon Belt Award

• Each mission during the exercise is graded.
• The country achieving the highest cumulative score is awarded the prestigious “Dragon Belt”.
• Encourages excellence and operational efficiency among participants.

Strategic Significance

1. Indo-Pacific Security

• Reinforces collective efforts to maintain freedom of navigation and maritime stability.
• Addresses emerging threats, including submarine proliferation in the region.

2. India’s Maritime Role

• Demonstrates India’s growing role as a net security provider in the Indo-Pacific.
• Aligns with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.

3. Strengthening Partnerships

• Deepens defence ties among Quad-like partners and other regional actors.
• Enhances multilateral defence cooperation beyond bilateral engagements.

In News:

India successfully concluded its participation in Exercise Sea Dragon 2025, a two-week multinational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) drill conducted in the Indo-Pacific region, hosted by the United States Navy’s 7th Fleet.

About Exercise Sea Dragon 2025

• Type: Annual Multinational Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Exercise
• Duration: Two weeks
• Location:Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Western Pacific
• Host: U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet
• Inception: Started as a bilateral US-Australia exercise in 2019; expanded to include more Indo-Pacific allies.
• India’s Participation: Since 2021; SD25 marks India’s 4th consecutive participation.

Objectives of Sea Dragon 2025

• Enhance Maritime Security and regional naval cooperation
• Strengthen anti-submarine warfare capabilities
• Improve interoperability and coordination among Indo-Pacific allies
• Promote a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific
• Address undersea threats, particularly in light of China’s growing maritime presence

Key Features of Sea Dragon 2025

• Live ASWEX: Tracking of real U.S. Navy submarines
• Mobile Drills: Use of MK-30 ‘SLED’ (Submarine Launch Expendable Device) as training targets
• Competitive Phase: Crews evaluated and graded based on ASW tactics and effectiveness
• Theoretical + Practical Training: Included tactical discussions, submarine detection, and neutralization scenarios
• Deployment of Advanced MPRA (Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft): Equipped with sonobuoys and sensors for submarine tracking

Significance for India

• Improves ASW Readiness and operational capabilities of the Indian Navy
• Strengthens ties with Quad members (U.S., Australia, Japan) and other Indo-Pacific partners
• Supports India’s broader strategy of naval modernization
• Aligns with India’s efforts to safeguard its interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and maintain regional stability.

Outcome

• RAAF (Australia) emerged as the top-performing team in the competitive phase.
• India successfully demonstrated its capabilities and reaffirmed commitment to Indo-Pacific security cooperation.