Indian, US navies conclude EOD exercise in Kochi after five days of joint training
India, US navies hold joint explosive ordnance disposal exercise in Kochi. Image credit: X/@indiannavy
New Delhi: The Indian and US navies concluded their five-day explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) drills – Exercise EOD 2026 – at Southern Naval Command in Kochi on August 14. The eighth edition of the bilateral exercise brought specialist diving and EOD teams together for cross-training, equipment demonstrations and scenario-based drills.
The exercise was conducted from August 10 to 14 and focused on improving interoperability and professional cooperation between the two navies. The programme included subject matter expert exchanges, cross-training and practical exercises based on operational scenarios.
The training covered several aspects of EOD operations, including threats from improvised explosive devices, render-safe procedures and mine neutralisation. The teams also exchanged practices involving unmanned underwater systems and other specialist equipment.
The diving component included wreck location and salvage, the use of specialist equipment and slithering operations. The Indian Navy said the hands-on training helped improve the professional skills of the participating teams while strengthening their ability to work together.
The exercise also gave both sides an opportunity to exchange contemporary EOD methods, emerging technologies and operational practices. The Indian Navy said the engagement helped personnel gain a better understanding of each other’s capabilities, operational concepts and procedures.
India and the US have conducted joint Salvage and EOD exercises since 2005. The latest engagement was the eighth edition of the specialised bilateral training exercise, with a continued focus on cooperation in maritime EOD and diving operations.
The exercise concluded as India and the US continue expanding cooperation across a range of naval activities. A separate development this week underlined that trend. India signed an agreement worth roughly $203 million with US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to lease two additional MQ-9B SeaGuardian unmanned aircraft for the Indian Navy for 30 months.
The Indian Navy has operated two MQ-9B Sea Guardians on lease since November 2020, using them for surveillance missions across the Indian Ocean region. The new aircraft will double that fleet, bringing the Navy’s total leased Sea Guardians to four.
The EOD exercise, however, remained focused on a more specialized area of naval operations. Through specialist training, equipment demonstrations and practical drills, the five-day engagement gave the two navies an opportunity to exchange operational experience and refine procedures for dealing with explosive threats and underwater challenges.
Both sides used the conclusion of the exercise to reiterate their focus on interoperability, professional cooperation and specialised maritime operations.
