- U.S. and Indian Navy P-8 aircraft conducted joint anti-submarine warfare and maritime domain awareness training near Diego Garcia from October 22 to 28, 2025.
- The combined detachment aimed to enhance operational planning, communication, and information-sharing between the two navies.
A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft from Commander, Task Force 72 (CTF 72) has joined an Indian Navy P-8I aircraft for a bilateral detachment and training near Diego Garcia and the broader Indian Ocean region from October 22 to 28, 2025.
According to the U.S. Navy, the deployment featured joint operations focusing on anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and maritime domain awareness. These exercises aimed to enhance coordination and information-sharing between the two naval forces while reinforcing the broader U.S.-India strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific.
“Our P-8A crews were proud to fly alongside our Indian partners in this combined detachment,” said Capt. Rodney Erler, commodore of CTF 72. “Maritime domain awareness, which the global network of P-8 aircraft contribute to, is a critical aspect of identifying threats, traditional and non-traditional, that could threaten the stability and security in the region.”
The operation follows earlier interoperability exercises such as Tiger Triumph 2025, during which U.S. and Indian forces incorporated satellite and unmanned systems into joint drills to strengthen communication and warfighting capability. The October training included mission planning, ASW coordination, and communication exercises conducted both on the ground and in flight.
The Indian Navy P-8I arrived at Diego Garcia prior to the start of the exercise. Crews from both sides conducted joint briefings and operational coordination at the base before launching combined ASW flights over the Indian Ocean.
The P-8A Poseidon, manufactured by Boeing, and the P-8I, a variant operated by India, are equipped for long-range surveillance, ASW, and anti-surface warfare operations. Their deployment in joint missions is intended to help both navies counter threats across the vast maritime region.
The Navy said that such engagements support a “free and open Indo-Pacific” by enabling better real-time coordination and a clearer operational picture in a strategic maritime corridor. CTF 72 oversees maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft (MPRA) operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet, which spans a large portion of the western Pacific and eastern Indian Ocean.
“By working with our allies and partners, we increase our shared maritime awareness to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Capt. Erler added.
Patrol Squadron (VP) 4, which participated in the deployment, is based in the Indo-Pacific and regularly supports maritime security missions in collaboration with regional partners.
The U.S. 7th Fleet is the Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet and routinely conducts operations with partners across Asia and the Pacific to uphold regional stability and secure sea lanes of communication.