The 24th edition of the MALABAR naval exercise involves the Indian Navy, the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF), the Royal Australian Navy and the United States Navy.
The exercise involves the following naval units:
- Indian Navy: Destroyer Ranvijay (D55), frigate Shivalik (F47), Off Shore Patrol Vessel Sukanya, Fleet Support Ship Shakti (A57) and submarine Sindhuraj (S57),
- USN: USS John S McCain (DDG 56) destroyer,
- RAN: HMAS Ballarat (FFG 155) frigate ,
- JMSDF: JS Onami (DD 111) destroyer.
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.
This year’s exercise at-sea includes a variety of high-end tactical training, including surface, anti-submarine and anti-air warfare operations, cross deck flying, seamanship evolutions and weapon firing exercises.
“Malabar provides an opportunity for like-minded navies, sharing a common vision of a more stable, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, to operate and train alongside one another. A collaborative approach toward regional security and stability is important now more than ever, to deter all who challenge a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Cmdr. Ryan T. Easterday, commanding officer, USS John S. McCain
Australian, Indian, Japanese and American maritime forces routinely operate together in the Indo-Pacific, fostering a cooperative approach toward regional security and stability.
