US Navy P-8 Poseidon Joins CARAT 2026 Naval Exercise In Trincomalee

COLOMBO (News 1st); The United States and Sri Lanka have launched the sixth edition of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), a bilateral maritime exercise aimed at strengthening operational cooperation, enhancing maritime security, and improving humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities across the Indian Ocean.

Hosted by the Sri Lanka Navy in Trincomalee and Colombo from July 27 to 31, CARAT Sri Lanka 2026 brings together personnel from the United States Navy, United States Coast Guard, Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Air Force for a series of shore-based and at-sea exercises designed to strengthen interoperability and prepare the two nations to respond effectively to shared regional challenges.

Since its inception in Sri Lanka in 2017, the CARAT exercise has played a significant role in building trust, operational experience and coordination between the two countries, reinforcing the longstanding defense partnership between Washington and Colombo.

A key feature of this year's exercise is the deployment of a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, which will support advanced maritime domain awareness training and coordinated operations.

The aircraft is expected to enhance the ability of both navies to monitor maritime activity, improve surveillance capabilities and respond rapidly to incidents across the strategically important Indian Ocean region.

The exercise will also see a United States Coast Guard Maritime Engagement Team conducting training aboard SLNS Gajabahu (P626), the former U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Douglas Munro that was transferred to Sri Lanka as part of ongoing security cooperation initiatives.

During maritime operations, personnel will also employ a U.S.-provided rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB), demonstrating how American security assistance continues to support Sri Lanka's long-term maritime capability development and operational readiness.

Throughout the week, military personnel from both countries will participate in classroom discussions and practical training sessions covering maritime domain awareness, tactical medicine, explosive ordnance disposal, and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations before applying those skills in complex maritime scenarios at sea.

Beyond military training, CARAT Sri Lanka 2026 will also feature community engagement activities, sporting events and cultural exchanges aimed at strengthening the personal and professional relationships between service members from both nations.