Hawaii [US], July 9 (ANI): The Indian Navy’s P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft has assumed a key anti-submarine warfare leadership role as the sea phase of the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2026 begins.
In a statement, the Indian Navy said its P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance (LRMR) aircraft and participating personnel have continued active engagement with partner navies through mission planning, technical preparations, operational briefings, and professional exchanges.
“This is the first time that the Indian Navy is discharging the role of Deputy Commander Task Force for theater-level anti-submarine warfare during the exercise,” the statement said.
The deployment reaffirms the Indian Navy’s commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific while enhancing interoperability, maritime domain awareness, and operational cooperation with partner navies, the service said in an earlier statement.
RIMPAC 2026 is the 30th edition of the exercise, which began in 1971.
According to the official US Navy website, 30 nations, more than 30 surface ships, five submarines, 15 national land forces, more than 206 aircraft, and 30,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands.
The website noted that during the exercise, units under the Commander, Submarine Force, US Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) will conduct realistic at-sea training scenarios to demonstrate unique capabilities and maximize operational advantages in the undersea domain.
“This year’s exercise will highlight two critical investments that are reshaping how COMSUBPAC units train to fight and win in contested maritime environments: advanced unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs) and long-range fires,” the website said.
It added that RIMPAC, the world’s largest international maritime exercise, provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participating nations, helping ensure the security of global sea lanes and the world’s oceans. (ANI)
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