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British and Indian pilots go ‘head-to-head’ as Royal Navy carrier group concludes visit
15 October 2025
Indian pilots jousted with British top guns high over the Arabian Sea as the UK Carrier Strike Group ended its visit with a major workout for Anglo-Indian air power.
The Strike Group, led by flagship aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, left Goa and Mumbai after a week-long visit promoting UK industry and strengthening ties between London and Delhi, to conclude Exercise Konkan, the regular test of the Commonwealth nations’ navies.
Konkan, which takes its name from the stretch of coastline on India’s western seaboard, allows Royal and Indian Navies to hone their collective skills.
Half a dozen F-35Bs acted as the carrier’s shield, while a dozen Indian fast jets – eight Su30 ‘Flankers’ and four Jaguars, aided by an Il-78 ‘Mainstay’ AWACS aircraft – tried to penetrate the defensive screen to conduct simulated strikes at the flagship as well as her escorts.
For the air power of both nations, the mock dogfights allowed personnel to test individual skills, weapons systems and sensors, plus tactics in particular against aircraft they do not normally encounter.
The Carrier Air Wing learned a number of lessons while operating alongside the Indian Navy and their first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, not least how a UK Carrier Strike Group can seamlessly integrate with Indian forces when the Royal Navy deploys to this part of the globe.
Commodore Blackmore, COMCSG said: “It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside our colleagues in the Indian Navy and Air Force during Exercise Konkan. The professionalism and camaraderie we’ve shared are a testament to the enduring strength of our partnership. Our time in Mumbai and Goa has been truly memorable – both vibrant and welcoming, rich in history, tradition and culture.”
Our port visit to Mumbai was extremely enjoyable. We were very well looked after by our Indian Navy hosts, it was especially rewarding to spend time with them ashore having recently operated with them at sea during Exercise Konkan.
Lieutenant Daniel Randel, a staff officer aboard HMS Prince of Wales, added: “Konkan has been a great opportunity to see how the Indian Armed Forces work. Working with both their Navy and Air Force has been a unique experience in my career so far.”
The Carrier Strike Goup’s visit to India was sandwiched by Exercise Konkan, the exercise opening with HMS Prince of Wales working side-by-side with INS Vikrant.
In between, the carrier enjoyed a visit to Goa, while HMS Richmond sailed into Mumbai and hosted a string of high-profile events, showcasing the best of British industry and underscoring cultural ties between the UK and India.
Some of the frigate’s crew joined Devashree Sanghvi (aka the Crazy Indian Foodie, an award-winning food and travel blogger) for some of Mumbai’s best culinary experiences, the football team took on the Indian Navy (honours were shared thanks to a 1-1 draw) and welcomed Defence Minister The Lord Coaker who hosted a joint industry event declaring both nations were ‘alive with opportunity’.
“Our port visit to Mumbai was extremely enjoyable. We were very well looked after by our Indian Navy hosts, it was especially rewarding to spend time with them ashore having recently operated with them at sea during Exercise Konkan,” said Lieutenant Commander Andy Hunt, HMS Richmond’s weapon engineer officer.
Leading Engineering Technician Nathan Knight added: “Visiting Mumbai has been a real highlight of the deployment for me. The culture and food in the city was fantastic and the football match against the Indian Navy was great fun.