Milestone maritime exercise for EUNAVFOR and India's navy in Indian Ocean

(EU) The European Union and India have teamed up for a major naval exercise in the Indian Ocean.

- 

This exercise was undertaken to boost maritime security cooperation between the two forces.

The exercise involved forces from the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA and the Indian Navy. It focused on improving interoperability and advancing counter-piracy tactics.

To test cooperation between ATALANTA and India, the exercise in early June 2025 simulated a scenario of a piracy attack on a merchant vessel.

The goal was to improve interoperability between Indian and European navies and advance counter-piracy tactics. EU and Indian naval ships and air assets (such as maritime patrol aircraft and a helicopter) cooperated on monitoring the situation, gathering intelligence, and planning hostages rescue.

Ships involved included the Italian ship Antonio MARCEGLIA, Spanish frigate REINA SOFIA and Indian frigate TRIKAND supported by the respective air assets. An Indian Maritime Patrol aircraft joined the event as well.