Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 10 (ANI): The UK Navy ship HMS Richmond is on a port visit to Mumbai after the conclusion of the joint naval exercise between the Indian and British navies, Konkan 2025. HMS Richmond is part of the Royal Navy’s carrier strike group.
The Indian and British carrier strike groups linked up in a historic first during the 2025 edition of Exercise Konkan, the UK Defence Advisor in India shared on Tuesday.
Exercise Konkan between India and the United Kingdom aims to enhance combined maritime and air capabilities between the two navies on the high seas. The Indian Navy and the Royal Navy commenced the bilateral Exercise Konkan-25 on October 5 off the western coast of India.
Over the past two decades, the exercise has grown significantly in scale and complexity, fostering greater interoperability and mutual understanding in maritime operations between the two navies. While the exercise has been biennial since 2004, this marks the first time in history that British and Indian carrier strike groups have conducted a maritime exercise together, according to the official statement.
The UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG), currently on an eight-month deployment known as Operation Highmast, linked up with the Indian Navy’s carrier strike group led by INS Vikrant to begin four days of complex maritime exercises. These also involved submarines and various aircraft from both forces.
The UK CSG is centered around HMS Prince of Wales, the 65,000-ton Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier — the largest surface vessel ever constructed in the UK. It is supported by the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless, the Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond, Royal Fleet Auxiliary support ships, and vessels from allied and partner nations. The CSG operates F-35B Lightning aircraft, along with Merlin and Wildcat helicopters.
Participation of the UK Carrier Strike Group (UK CSG 25), led by HMS Prince of Wales and including assets from Norway and Japan, added prominence to this year’s edition of the exercise. The Indian side was represented by the carrier battle group of the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, along with other surface, sub-surface, and air combatants.
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