South Africa Deploys Frigate SAS AMATOLA to India for Exercise MILAN

• The South African Navy's frigate SAS AMATOLA has been deployed to India for the 2026 International Fleet Review and Exercise MILAN, hosted by the Indian Navy.
• This deployment signifies a return to long-range operations for the SAN and reaffirms its role in multilateral naval cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Exercise MILAN is a large multilateral naval exercise focusing on interoperability, maritime security, and strategic dialogue among participating nations.
• The deployment includes participation in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs and an International Maritime Seminar.
• Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, Chief of the South African Navy, highlighted the deployment as a fulfillment of a diplomatic commitment and a demonstration of strong defence relations with India, despite past budgetary challenges.

Why It Matters: South Africa's frigate SAS AMATOLA is in India for Exercise MILAN, strengthening naval ties and regional security.