Washington, April 4: India joined the United States and key Indo-Pacific partners in a 20-day anti-submarine warfare exercise in Guam, aimed at strengthening coordination and operational readiness among participating nations, officials confirmed.
Exercise Sea Dragon 2026 concluded on March 28 at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam after intensive training focused on detecting and countering undersea threats in complex operational conditions. The exercise brought together forces from India, United States, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
Hosted by Commander, Task Force 72, the exercise featured P-8A Poseidon aircraft operated by the US Navy alongside aircraft from the Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Royal Australian Air Force, and Royal New Zealand Air Force.
Officials stated that the drills were designed to enhance interoperability and improve shared maritime domain awareness among the participating forces. The exercise built on earlier editions, focusing on coordinated anti-submarine warfare operations in a dynamic and contested maritime environment.
Training activities included structured tracking drills using a mobile anti-submarine warfare training target, identified as the MK-30. Participants also conducted a live exercise involving the search and tracking of an operational Navy submarine in the area.
Operations this year were carried out near Saipan, where forces deployed recoverable exercise torpedoes. Officials noted that this marked an expansion in operational capabilities demonstrated during the exercise.
The programme also included a competitive component, with participating nations assessed on performance under realistic scenarios. Japan’s Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron 3 secured the Dragon Belt award, which had been held by Australia in the previous edition.
Military officials emphasised that the exercise strengthens coordination among partner nations and reinforces preparedness in the Indo-Pacific region. They noted that such drills contribute to maintaining regional stability and enhancing collective response capabilities.
Sea Dragon, conducted annually since 2019, has evolved into a key platform for multi-nation maritime cooperation. India’s participation alongside US-led partners reflects growing defence engagement in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in areas related to maritime security and surveillance.
The Indo-Pacific region remains strategically significant due to its role in global trade routes and evolving security dynamics. Exercises focused on undersea warfare capabilities continue to gain prominence amid increasing emphasis on maritime domain awareness.
