In News:

The Indian Navy will host Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).

About Operation Southern Readiness 26-2

• Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 is a multinational maritime training exercise aimed at strengthening maritime security cooperation, enhancing interoperability, and building regional capacity among partner navies.
• The exercise is hosted by the Indian Navy at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, under the aegis of the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 154, the dedicated Training Task Force of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
• The four-day engagement brings together personnel from CMF partner nations for professional maritime security training, practical exercises, and the exchange of operational best practices.

Key Features

The training programme integrates classroom instruction, simulator-based learning, and hands-on training onboard Indian naval ships.

The exercise covers a wide range of maritime security domains, including:

• Maritime Law
• Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and Information Sharing
• Counter-Narcotics Operations
• Force Protection
• Asymmetric Maritime Threats
• Maritime Uncrewed Systems
• Damage Control and Firefighting
• Maritime Communications
• Survival at Sea
• Boarding Operations

The programme aims to improve professional understanding, interoperability, and operational coordination among participating navies.

Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)

• The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) is a multinational maritime partnership comprising over 40 nations, working together to promote maritime security, ensure freedom of navigation, and counter illicit activities at sea.
• Within the CMF, Combined Task Force (CTF) 154 serves as the dedicated Training Task Force, with the Indian Navy leading its activities.