The Indian Navy is joining partner nations—the US Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF)—for Sea Dragon 2026, a multinational exercise being held at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam in the Western Pacific Ocean.
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The exercise, which aims to achieve greater synergy and coordination between the friendly navies based on their commitment to an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific, will continue throughout March.
Exercise Sea Dragon involves over 200 cumulative hours of in-flight training.
Lt. Christian Castro, Public Affairs Officer, Commander Task Force 72, said in a statement that the exercise seeks to advance aircrew proficiency in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) by progressing from tracking simulated targets to detecting and tracking a live submarine.
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During the tabletop phase of the exercise, pilots and aircrew from all participating nations will build plans and discuss tactics incorporating the capabilities and equipment of their respective nations.
Members of the participating nations will work to detect and track both simulated and live submarine targets during the exercise. The participants will be tested on their speed, accuracy, and ability to execute coordinated missions, strengthening their anti-submarine warfare proficiency and enhancing interoperability among partner forces.
Squadron Leader Martin of the RAAF observed that the exercise is a great opportunity to sharpen skills and strengthen international partnerships. “The expansive overwater training area near Guam allows our aircrews to train in complex scenarios and refine coordination within the RAAF and with our allies and partners,” he was quoted as saying in a statement from the Australian Ministry of Defence.
Each event in the exercise will be assessed and graded, and the country that scores the highest total score will receive the coveted Dragon Belt award.
