Kochi, August 9: The Indian Navy–US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise 2026 is set to commence at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, from August 10 to 14, bringing specialist teams from the two navies together for a five-day programme focused on strengthening interoperability and cooperation in specialised maritime operations.
The bilateral exercise will bring together specialist diving and EOD teams of the Indian and US navies to exchange operational expertise, refine procedures and develop a better understanding of each other’s capabilities.
Focus on EOD Skills and Emerging Technology
The five-day exercise will include a combination of Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, cross-training sessions, equipment demonstrations and scenario-based practical exercises.
Personnel from both sides will share contemporary EOD techniques, emerging technologies and operational best practices. The engagement will also provide the participating teams with an opportunity to understand each other’s operational concepts, capabilities and methods of employing specialist EOD resources.
Scenario-Based Training
A major component of the exercise will be practical, scenario-driven training designed to replicate complex and evolving explosive ordnance disposal challenges.
Such exercises allow specialist teams to test procedures in a controlled environment, improve coordination and develop the ability to respond effectively to different operational situations.
The interaction is expected to enhance mutual understanding, collaborative learning and operational synergy between the two navies.
Eighth Edition of Specialised Exercise
The Indian Navy and US Navy have been conducting joint Salvage and EOD exercises since 2005.
The upcoming engagement will be the eighth edition of the specialised bilateral training exercise, reflecting the sustained cooperation between the two navies in areas requiring highly specialised maritime expertise.
Strengthening India–US Maritime Cooperation
Beyond technical training, the exercise underlines the growing defence and maritime partnership between India and the United States.
By bringing specialist personnel together for cross-training and knowledge exchange, the exercise is expected to improve interoperability and strengthen the ability of both navies to coordinate during complex maritime contingencies.
The five-day exercise at Kochi will therefore focus not only on EOD techniques and equipment but also on building professional trust, operational familiarity and specialised capabilities between the Indian and US navies.