New Delhi, Aug 17 (IANS) Indian and US Navy concluded Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise 2026 after five days of intensive professional interaction, the Ministry of Defence said on Monday.
“The eighth edition of the IN–USN Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise 2026 concluded at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, on 14 Aug 2026. The bilateral engagement witnessed intensive professional interaction, exchange of Best Practices, and demonstrations by teams from both navies,” the ministry stated.
The exercise provided a platform for sharing knowledge on various facets of EOD operations. Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) covered real-time threats from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), render-safe procedures, mine neutralisation, and employment of unmanned underwater systems.
The ministry highlighted that the cross-training phase featured exercises on diverse disciplines of diving that included wreck location and salvage, employment of specialist equipment, and slithering operations.
“The joint training exercise enhanced the professional competence and skill-sets of the diving teams while fostering greater mutual understanding and interoperability. The successful completion of the exercise underscores the commitment of both navies to strengthen operational synergy and cooperation in specialised maritime operations,” the ministry highlighted.
Last month, the Indian Navy assumed the role of Deputy Commander Task Force for Theatre-level Anti-Submarine Warfare during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 maritime warfare exercise held in Hawaii.
“As the sea phase of Exercise RIMPAC2026 commences, Indian Navy’s P-8I LRMR aircraft and contingent of participating personnel continued active engagement with partner navies through mission planning, technical preparations, operational briefings and professional exchanges,” the spokesperson of the Indian Navy wrote on X.
“This is the first time that the Indian Navy is discharging the role of Deputy Commander Task Force for Theatre-level Anti-Submarine Warfare during the exercise,” it added.
The 30th edition of RIMPAC, one of the world’s largest multinational maritime exercises, was conducted from July 1 to July 31.
According to the Indian Navy, the deployment reaffirmed 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.
–IANS
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