Between October 5 and 12, 2025, the Indian Navy and the United Kingdom’s Navy (Royal Navy) carried out the bilateral exercise Konkan-25 off the western coast of India. The activity included 2 aircraft carriers, air deployment with F-35B and Su-30MKI fighters, port and sea operations, with the goal of improving interoperability through advanced maneuvers in all domains of maritime operations.
The exercise involved the participation of units from the Indian Western Fleet, led by the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant under the Western Naval Command, and units from the UK Carrier Strike Group (UKCSG) led by the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales. The Japanese destroyer JS Akebono and the Norwegian frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen also participated.
During the maneuvers, six F-35B Lightning II fighters acted as air defense for the British aircraft carrier, while a dozen aircraft from the Indian Air Force, composed of eight Su-30MKI “Flanker” and four Jaguar, supported by an Il-78 “Mainstay” aircraft with early warning capability (AWACS), attempted to penetrate the defensive shield to carry out simulated attacks on the flagship and its escorts. The aerial engagements allowed both forces to test tactics, sensors, and weapon systems against aircraft they do not usually encounter in routine exercises.
Commodore James Blackmore, commander of the UKCSG, highlighted: “It has been a privilege to work alongside our colleagues from the Indian Navy and Air Force during Exercise Konkan. The professionalism and camaraderie we share are a testament to the strength of our partnership.” He added that the mission of the British group seeks to “develop the full operational capability of the UK Strike Group, strengthen partnerships with Indo-Pacific allies and maintain interoperability with NATO forces.”
The deployment of the HMS Prince of Wales within the framework of Konkan-25 was carried out as part of Operation Highmast, a United Kingdom initiative aimed at consolidating the Full Operational Capability (FOC) of its carrier strike group. This stage is part of the British deployment in the Indo-Pacific started eight months ago, which included stopovers in Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and India, in addition to multinational exercises. During July and August, the UKCSG participated in Talisman Sabre 2025 in Australia alongside the United States Navy and other allied forces, where it managed to generate 16 sorties of F-35B fighters in a 24-hour period, a performance that Blackmore described as “a great leap towards the development of full operational capability.”
The HMS Prince of Wales operated alongside the INS Vikrant in the initial phase of Konkan, consolidating the integration between both navies. Subsequently, the British aircraft carrier made stopovers in Goa, while the frigate HMS Richmond visited Mumbai, where various diplomatic and cultural activities were developed.
During the stay in India, industrial promotion events and meetings with local authorities took place. The British Defense Minister, Lord Coaker, headed a joint event in which he highlighted that both nations are “full of opportunities.”
Lieutenant Commander Andy Hunt, weapons systems officer of the HMS Richmond, noted: “Our visit to Mumbai was very enjoyable. We were very well received by our hosts from the Indian Navy, and it was especially gratifying to share time with them ashore after having operated together at sea during Exercise Konkan.”
For his part, Lieutenant Daniel Randel, officer aboard the HMS Prince of Wales, affirmed: “Konkan has been a great opportunity to see how the Indian Armed Forces work. Collaborating with their Navy and Air Force has been a unique experience in my career so far.”
Exercise Konkan, which takes its name from the coastal strip of western India, is regularly held between both navies and constitutes a key space for perfecting naval cooperation between member countries of the Commonwealth.
*Images obtained from the British Ministry of Defence.
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