Kochi to witness India-US naval teams join forces for EOD exercise

The Indian Navy and US Navy will conduct the 2026 edition of their Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) exercise at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi from August 10 to 14.

The five-day bilateral exercise aims to strengthen interoperability and professional cooperation between the two navies' specialist diving and EOD teams.

Focus on specialised training and emerging EOD technologies

The exercise will feature Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, cross-training sessions, equipment demonstrations and practical exercises based on operational scenarios.

These engagements will allow personnel from both sides to exchange expertise on contemporary EOD techniques, emerging technologies and operational best practices.

The participating teams will also gain a better understanding of each other's capabilities, operational approaches and methods of employing specialist EOD resources in complex maritime situations.

Eighth edition of bilateral EOD engagement

The exercise is designed to promote joint learning and operational synergy while helping personnel refine procedures and improve their ability to address complex, evolving explosive ordnance threats.

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 exercise, highlighting the continued cooperation between the two navies in specialised maritime operations.

The exercise is expected to further strengthen professional ties, facilitate the sharing of operational experience and enhance the two navies' ability to work together during challenging EOD and salvage