Russia, India begin Indra-2026 naval drills in the Sea of Japan

Ships of Russia’s Pacific Fleet and the Indian Navy left Vladivostok for the Sea of Japan on Oct. 16, launching the naval phase of the joint Indra-2026 exercise. The land phase began Oct. 14 in the Chelyabinsk region and runs until Oct. 23.

Russia and India on Oct. 16 began the naval phase of their joint inter-service Indra-2026 exercise. The Pacific Fleet corvette Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov and the Indian frigate INS Sahyadri sailed from Vladivostok, the Pacific Fleet’s main base, into the Sea of Japan.

During the naval phase, crews will conduct artillery firing at surface and air targets, practice repelling attacks by uncrewed boats and drones, carry out deck helicopter flights including landings on each other’s ships and, in the final stage, rehearse freeing a vessel seized by pirates. Live firing is scheduled for Oct. 16-17.

Land phase in the Chelyabinsk region

The exercise officially opened on Oct. 14 with a ceremony at a Central Military District training ground in the Chelyabinsk region. According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, the active land phase will last until Oct. 23, with troops of the 90th Guards Tank Division forming the core of the Russian contingent. The sides will practice command of units, jointly neutralizing mock illegal armed groups, special forces landings from Mi-8 helicopters, and search and rescue.

Russian and Indian sailors during a previous Indra exercise (file photo)

In the air component, Russian Aerospace Forces and Indian Air Force crews flying Su-30SM jets will practice countering small low-flying targets and elements of close air combat at medium and low altitudes.