Visakhapatnam set for grand Presidential Fleet Review on February 18

Visakhapatnam decked up for International Fleet Review 2026, MILAN 2026 and IONS Conclave of Chiefs 2026, with elaborate arrangements in place for the Presidential Fleet Review to be held on Wednesday (February 18).

Indian Navy warships in formation at the anchorage off the Visakhapatnam coast during the full dress rehearsal for the International Fleet Review on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit:
V. RAJU

A total of 71 warships will participate in the Fleet Review, including 45 from the Indian Navy, 19 from friendly foreign nations and others from the Indian Coast Guard and the Shipping Corporation of India. The President will review the fleet and receive the salute from the crew of warships and submarines as the Presidential yacht sails past the columns of ships.

Indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant of the Indian Navy at anchorage off the Visakhapatnam coast during the full dress rehearsal for the International Fleet Review on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit:
V RAJU

On Tuesday (February 17), a full dress rehearsal was conducted at sea. Families of naval personnel boarded INS Sukanya to witness the proceedings. Sail boats were paraded and ships were anchored on either side as INS Sukanya passed through six columns of vessels. Crew members stood on deck and waved to the guests, who responded in return.

INS Tarangini, India’s first dedicated sail training ship and the Indian Navy’s first sail vessel to complete a circumnavigation of the globe in 2003-04, at anchorage off the Visakhapatnam coast during the full dress rehearsal for the International Fleet Review on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit:
V. RAJU

Among the prominent vessels were INS Tarangini, the Indian Navy’s sail training ship that undertook a circumnavigation of the globe in 2003 to 04, and INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier and a symbol of self reliance. Several warships, patrol vessels, fast attack craft, survey vessels and submarines including INS Shankul, INS Sindukeerthi and INS Sindhukesari also took part.

Foreign vessels participating in the rehearsal included SLNS Sagara from Sri Lanka, CGS Huravee from the Maldives, and ships from Russia, Australia, the Philippines, Korea, the UAE, Malaysia, South Africa and Bangladesh.

A flypast by naval aircraft and helicopters in various formations, manoeuvres by MiG 29K fighter jets and high speed operations by Marine Commandos in fast boats drew applause from the guests on board INS Sukanya.