DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory –
A multi-mission maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft (MPRA) P-8A Poseidon from Commander, Task Force (CTF) 72 joined an Indian Navy MPRA P-8I for a bilateral combined detachment and training in vicinity of Diego Garcia and the Indian Ocean, Oct. 22-28, 2025.
The combined detachment saw both aircraft conduct bilateral trainings focused on antisubmarine warfare and maritime domain awareness to strengthen and refine the interoperability between the U.S. and Indian Navies. The training builds on prior interoperability exercises such as Tiger Triumph 2025, where the U.S. and Indian armed forces incorporated satellite and unmanned technologies to enhance joint communication and warfighting capabilities. The U.S.-India strategic partnership is founded on shared values including a commitment to democracy and upholding security, freedom, and prosperity.
“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. By working with our allies and partners, we increase our shared maritime awareness to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
After the arrival of the P-8I to Diego Garcia, the U.S. and Indian crews worked together on operational planning for the exercises to set the groundwork for increased enhanced information sharing, and cooperation at sea. This shore phase was concluded by a combined flight and bilateral anti-submarine and communication exercise.
Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 is assigned to CTF 72, the command and control headquarters for Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft in U.S. 7th Fleet, promoting regional security and enhancement of theater security operations through multilateral engagements and providing reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities.
U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.