The Indian Navy has been designated as the Deputy Commander Task Force for Theatre-level Anti-Submarine Warfare in the ongoing Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 maritime exercise. This marks the first time the Indian Navy has assumed this role during the exercise. Indian Navy’s P-8I LRMR aircraft and personnel are actively engaged in mission planning, technical preparations, operational briefings, and professional exchanges with partner navies.
The aircraft and contingent from the Indian Navy arrived in Hawaii at the beginning of this month. RIMPAC, now in its 30th edition, is recognized as one of the largest multinational maritime exercises globally, running from July 1 to July 31. The deployment underscores the Indian Navy’s dedication to a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region, aiming to boost interoperability, maritime domain awareness, and operational collaboration with partner navies.
RIMPAC involves the participation of 30 nations, with over 30 surface ships, five submarines, 15 national land forces, more than 206 aircraft, and 30,000 personnel training in and around the Hawaiian Islands. This exercise offers a distinctive training platform while nurturing cooperative relationships among participants crucial for safeguarding sea lanes and ensuring regional stability. Vice Adm. Jeff Jablon, RIMPAC 2026 Commander, Combined Task Forces (CCTF), emphasized the significance of this exercise in enhancing readiness, warfighting skills, and interoperability among nations for effective joint operations.
