New Delhi: Navies of India, Japan, US and Australia will commence Malabar naval exercise in two phases from November 3 off Visakhapatnam in the Bay of Bengal.
The 24th edition of the Malabar naval exercise will see the participation of Australian Navy following invitation from Indian side.
The move comes amid growing partnership between the four countries that led to the formation of Quad, an informal strategic coalition, to counter China’s growing influence.
The first phase of the drill would conclude on November 6 while the second phase will be conducted in mid-November in the Arabian sea.
Malabar series of maritime exercises commenced in 1992 as a bilateral Indian and the United States Navy.
The Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) joined the Malabar in 2015.
Australia last participated in the exercise in 2007, which drew criticism from China at the time.
The exercise was held off the Japanese coast last year.
The 2020 edition will now witness participation of the Royal Australian Navy in this joint maritime exercise.
The phase-1 will witness participation of Indian Navy units with USN Ship USS John S McCain (Guided-missile destroyer), RAN Ship HMAS Ballarat (long range frigate) with integral MH-60 helicopter, and JMSDF Ship JS Onami (Destroyer) with integral SH-60 helicopter, an Indian Navy official said .
Eastern Fleet Flag Officer Commanding Rear Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan will lead the Indian side.
Indian Navy units participating in the exercise include destroyer Ranvijay, frigate Shivalik, Off Shore Patrol Vessel Sukanya, Fleet Support Ship Shakti and submarine Sindhuraj.
In addition, Advanced Jet Trainer Hawk, long-range maritime patrol aircraft P-8I, Dornier maritime patrol aircraft, and helicopters will also be participating in the exercise.
The exercise, being conducted as a ‘non-contact, at sea only’ exercise in view of Covid-19 pandemic, will showcase the high-levels of synergy and coordination between the friendly navies, which is based on their shared values and commitment to an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order.
Malabar phase1 would witness complex and advanced naval exercises including surface, anti-submarine and anti-air warfare operations, cross deck flying, seamanship evolutions and weapon firing exercises, he added.
