The United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group concluded the Konkan Exercise in partnership with the Indian Navy, during a ceremonial passage led by the HMS Prince of Wales and the INS Vikrant, India’s first aircraft carrier.
The operation also saw the participation of the Japanese destroyer Akebono and several ships from both countries, further strengthening international naval cooperation in the region.
Commissioned in 2022 after more than 20 years of construction, the INS Vikrant measures 262 meters, reaches speeds of up to 30 knots, and can carry up to 36 aircraft, including MiG-29K fighter jets and MH-60R helicopters. The vessel symbolizes India’s growing maritime autonomy and honors the country’s first aircraft carrier, with its motto emphasizing readiness to face challenges.
Operation Highmast, led by the United Kingdom, involves over 4,500 British military personnel and spans countries in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Indian Ocean, with stops in Singapore, Australia, Japan, and South Korea.
The mission aims to bolster regional security, demonstrate allied cooperation, and promote British trade and industry in strategic nations.
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @DefenceOps | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
🇬🇧🤝🇮🇳
Steel, sea & shared purpose.🌊⚓️🛳️ @COMUKCSG & the Indian Carrier Group are joining up to work together during #ExKONKAN25
🥇This is the first time @HMSPWLS and the Indian Carrier are working together.
💪Showing the importance of seamless cooperation on OP HIGHMAST pic.twitter.com/OdwSpzG0Kt
— Defence Operations 🇬🇧 (@DefenceOps) October 6, 2025
