News: The Indian Navy's P-8I maritime patrol aircraft is participating in RIMPAC 2026 in Hawaii, highlighting India's growing role in the Indo-Pacific.
About RIMPAC
- Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) is the world's largest international naval exercise.
- Hosted by: U.S. Pacific Fleet.
- Started in: 1971.
- 2026 Edition: 30th edition.
- Theme: "Partners: Integrated and Prepared."
Key Highlights
- Participation: 30 countries, 30+ warships, 5 submarines, and 200+ aircraft.
- Major Participants: India, USA, Australia, Japan, France, UK, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia.
Major Exercises
- Anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
- Air defence
- Amphibious operations
- Missile & gunnery drills
- Counter-piracy operations
- Mine countermeasures
- Diving & salvage operations
P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft
- Type: Long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft.
- Based on: Boeing 737-800 platform.
- Roles: Maritime surveillance, Anti-submarine warfare, Anti-surface warfare, Search & Rescue (SAR), Electronic warfare
- Capabilities: Can carry air-to-ship missiles and torpedoes.
- Indian Navy Fleet: 12 aircraft in service; 6 more planned.
- Notable Use: Deployed for reconnaissance during the 2020–2021 China–India skirmishes.