Vietnamese naval ship returns after successful participation in MILAN 2026 exercise in India

Ship 17 of Brigade 171 under Naval Region 2 docked at the brigade’s military port in Rach Dua Ward, Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday morning after completing the exercise, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

At a welcome ceremony held at the port, Colonel Do Hong Duyen, deputy political commissar of Naval Region 2, commended the ship’s officers and crew for overcoming difficulties and successfully fulfilling their assigned mission, strengthening the reputation of the Vietnam People’s Navy.

On January 28, Ship 17 departed Brigade 171’s military port together with a delegation from the Vietnam People’s Navy to take part in activities within the framework of the MILAN 2026 exercise in India.

The delegation was led by Colonel Le Dinh Nghi, deputy chief of staff of Naval Region 2.

Held under the theme ‘Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration,’ the exercise attracted participation from 74 countries, including 16 that deployed naval vessels.

Ship 17 and the Vietnamese delegation partook in all activities under the MILAN 2026 program.

During the voyage of more than 5,000 nautical miles, the ship’s officers and sailors conducted long-distance sea training to enhance coordination and command capabilities, combat readiness, and proficiency in operating weapons and equipment, while also strengthening their physical endurance.

The delegation also took part in various defense diplomacy activities and exchanges, including courtesy visits to local authorities at ports of call, a visit to the Lumut Naval Base of the Royal Malaysian Navy, and participation in cultural, arts, and sports exchanges as well as receptions hosted by partner countries.

The mission was carried out at the invitation of the Royal Malaysian Navy and the Indian Navy to further solidify friendly relations and cooperation between Vietnam’s military and naval forces and their counterparts in the region.

The trip was considered a success, helping promote the image of Vietnam and its people as friendly and responsible while conveying a message of peace, friendship, and cooperation for regional and global stability and prosperity.

Speaking at the closing ceremony for the MILAN 2026 exercise on February 25, Rear Admiral Alok Ananda, flag officer commanding the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy, thanked the participating countries for sending ships and personnel to the exercise and expressed hope for their continued support in future editions of the event.

He added that the exercise offered the participating navies a valuable platform to exchange experience, deepen mutual understanding, and cement cooperation in dealing with maritime security challenges.