Royal Navy and Indian Navy Conduct First Combined Carrier Operations
The Royal Navy and the Indian Navy have conducted their first ever combined carrier operations during the bilateral maritime exercise KONKAN-25.
The exercise took place from October 5 to 12, 2025, off the western coast of India, coinciding with a visit by PM Keir Starmer to India, where he progressed the bilateral defence partnership, including a collaboration for developing naval electric propulsion systems.
Exercise Details
The sea phase of the exercise included drills focusing on anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine exercises, as well as flying operations.
- F-35B Lightning stealth fighters and MiG 29K jets conducted aerial exercises.
- A flypast and photoshoot were also conducted.
Author's summary: Royal Navy and Indian Navy hold joint carrier operations.