USA and Sri Lanka launch CARAT 2026 to strengthen maritime security

On July 26, the United States and Sri Lanka launched the sixth iteration of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), a bilateral maritime exercise that strengthens the ability of our navies to work together in support of maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and a safer, more secure Indian Ocean.

Hosted by the Sri Lanka Navy in Trincomalee and Colombo from July 27-31, CARAT Sri Lanka 2026 brings U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Sri Lanka Air Force and Sri Lanka Navy personnel together for a week of shore- and sea-based training that strengthens maritime cooperation and prepares our forces to respond together to shared challenges.  Since 2017, CARAT Sri Lanka has helped build the trust, experience, and operational coordination that underpin the enduring U.S.-Sri Lanka defense partnership. 

"This exercise reflects the United States' enduring commitment to our security partnership with Sri Lanka," said Lt. Col. Matthew House, U.S. Embassy Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché to Sri Lanka.

"When our sailors train side-by-side, they build the trust, interoperability, and professional relationships that allow us to respond more effectively together when it matters most. We saw that firsthand during last year's response to Cyclone Ditwah, when the relationships built through years of cooperation enabled our forces to work seamlessly alongside one another in support of the Sri Lankan people." 

The exercise features a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, which will support maritime domain awareness training and coordinated operations, helping both navies strengthen their ability to monitor maritime activity and respond to incidents across the Indian Ocean. 

A U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Engagement Team (MET) will also train aboard SLNS Gajabahu (P626), the former U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Douglas Munro transferred by the United States, and employ a U.S.-provided rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) during maritime operations, demonstrating how U.S. security assistance helps build Sri Lanka's long-term maritime capabilities. 

U.S. and Sri Lanka Navy personnel will participate in classroom exchanges and hands-on training in maritime domain awareness, tactical medicine, explosive ordnance disposal, and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations throughout the week, before applying those skills together at sea. Community service projects, sporting events, and cultural exchanges that strengthen the personal relationships between service members is another critical part of CARAT Sri Lanka.