British and Indian jets in ‘dogfight’ over British carrier

British and Indian fast-jet pilots have gone head-to-head in a series of mock dogfights over the Arabian Sea as the UK Carrier Strike Group concluded its visit to India.

The exercise marked the culmination of Exercise Konkan 2025, a long-running bilateral training series designed to strengthen maritime and air cooperation between the two Commonwealth nations.

Led by HMS Prince of Wales, the strike group departed Goa and Mumbai following a week of engagements promoting UK industry and reinforcing defence ties. The air component featured six F-35B Lightning II jets defending the carrier against a dozen Indian Air Force aircraft, including eight Su-30MKI Flankers, four Jaguars, and an Il-78 Mainstay airborne early warning platform.

The simulated engagements tested both nations’ tactics, sensors, and interoperability in complex, multi-domain scenarios.

Commodore James Blackmore, Commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group, said the exercise reflected the “enduring strength” of the UK–India partnership. “It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside our colleagues in the Indian Navy and Air Force during Exercise Konkan,” he said.

The exercise began with HMS Prince of Wales operating alongside India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, before the group’s visit to Goa and Mumbai for a series of cultural and diplomatic events.

HMS Richmond hosted joint UK–India industry engagements attended by Defence Minister Lord Coaker, while her crew took part in community and sporting activities, including a 1–1 football match against the Indian Navy.

Royal Navy officers said Exercise Konkan had provided invaluable operational insights, particularly in integrating carrier operations and joint air power in the Indo-Pacific region. Lieutenant Daniel Randel, serving aboard HMS Prince of Wales, said: “Working with both the Indian Navy and Air Force has been a unique experience in my career so far.”