Vizag Set for Presidential Fleet Review

The eastern port city is preparing to host a major maritime showcase this week with the International Fleet Review 2026, MILAN 2026, and the IONS Conclave of Chiefs.

The highlight will be the Presidential Fleet Review on Wednesday, February 18, a ceremony reflecting naval readiness and maritime diplomacy. Officials said 71 warships will participate, including 45 from the Indian Navy, 19 from friendly foreign nations, along with vessels from the Indian Coast Guard and the Shipping Corporation of India.

The President will review the fleet from the Presidential yacht as it sails past columns of ships. Sailors and submariners will line the decks in ceremonial formation to offer the traditional salute.

A full-dress rehearsal was held at sea on Tuesday. Families of naval personnel watched from INS Sukanya as sailboats paraded and ships formed six columns. Crew members stood on deck, waving to guests.

Prominent among the vessels were INS Tarangini, the Navy’s sail training ship, and INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier. Warships, patrol vessels, fast attack craft, and submarines, including INS Shankul, INS Sindukeerthi, and INS Sindhukesari, also took part.

Ships from Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Russia, Australia, the Philippines, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, South Africa, and Bangladesh joined the exercise. SLNS Sagara and CGS Huravee were among those present.

The rehearsal concluded with a flypast by naval aircraft and helicopters, manoeuvres by MiG-29K fighter jets, and high-speed operations by Marine Commandos.