Summary
February 2026 defence exercises showcased India’s military diplomacy and capability: Exercise MILAN 2026 involved 70+ nations; Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 displayed air power; Exercise Dharma Guardian 2026 enhanced interoperability, and Exercise Sada Tanseeq 2026 strengthened bilateral defence ties.
Detailed Analysis
1. Exercise MILAN 2026 (13th Edition)
- Participants: Multilateral (India + 74 Friendly Foreign Countries).
- Dates: February 15 to 25, 2026.
- Location: Visakhapatnam and the Bay of Bengal.
- Theme: "Camaraderie, Cohesion, Collaboration."
- Key Detail: This edition followed the International Fleet Review (IFR). It featured 52 nations' ships and aircraft. A dedicated "MILAN Village" was inaugurated as a cultural centerpiece to foster friendship between sailors of different nations.
- Objective: To enhance professional interaction between friendly navies and gain experience in multilateral large-force operations at sea.
2. Exercise VAYU SHAKTI-2026
- Participants: Indian Air Force (IAF) - Triennial Firepower Demonstration.
- Date: February 27, 2026.
- Location: Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
- Key Highlight: Witnessed by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu.
- Assets involved: Featured over 120 aircraft, including Tejas, Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Prachand (LCH), and Apache.
- Objective: To demonstrate the IAF's capability for precision strikes, air dominance, and long-range operations. It specifically highlighted the success of "Operation Sindoor" and the vision of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" through indigenous platforms.
3. Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN 2026 (7th Edition)
- Participants: India and Japan.
- Dates: February 24 to March 9, 2026.
- Location: Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia, Uttarakhand.
- Key Detail: The Indian Army was represented by the Ladakh Scouts (known for mountain warfare), and Japan by the 32nd Infantry Regiment.
- Objective: Focusing on joint operations in semi-urban environments and mountainous terrain. Activities included establishing Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) grids and heliborne operations.
4. Exercise SADA TANSEEQ (Concluding Phase)
- Participants: India and Saudi Arabia.
- Dates: January 29 to February 9, 2026.
- Location: Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan.
- Key Detail: As the inaugural edition of this bilateral army exercise, it concluded in early February. It established a new pillar of defense cooperation in West Asia.