India, Japan to commence JIMEX naval drills in North Arabian Sea today

New Delhi, Sept 26: With an aim to boost naval co-operation, India and Japan will commence three-day Maritime bilateral exercise JIMEX which will be held in the North Arabian Sea starting from today to 28 September, the Indian Navy stated.

 

 

 

Keeping in view of COVID-19, the exercise will be spread over three days and is being conducted in a ‘non-contact at-sea-only format’. This will further enhance the cooperation and mutual confidence between the two navies and fortify the long-standing bond of friendship between the two countries.

 

It will be the 4th edition of India - Japan Maritime bilateral exercise JIMEX which will be conducted biennially between the Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The JIMEX series of exercises had started in January 2012 with a special focus on maritime security cooperation. The last edition of JIMEX was conducted in October 2018 off Visakhapatnam, India.

 

"Naval cooperation between India and Japan has increased in scope and complexity over the years. Advanced level of operations and exercises planned during JIMEX-20 are indicative of the continued upswing in Indo-Japanese defence relations and continued efforts by both Governments to work closely for a more secure, open, and inclusive global commons, in accordance with international regulations," the Defence Ministry stated in a release.

 

Further, the Indian Navy asserted that JIMEX 20 will showcase a high degree of inter-operability and joint operational skills through the conduct of a multitude of advanced exercises, across the spectrum of maritime operations. Multi-faceted tactical exercises involving weapon firings, cross deck helicopter operations and complex surface, anti-submarine and air warfare drills will consolidate coordination developed by the two navies.

 

From the Indian side, indigenously built stealth destroyer Chennai, Teg Class stealth frigate Tarkash, and Fleet Tanker Deepak will take part in the exercise. Rear Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, will be representing the Indian Navy.

 

Meanwhile, JMSDF will be represented by JMSDF Ships Kaga, an Izumo Class Helicopter Destroyer and Ikazuchi, a Guided Missile Destroyer, led by Rear Admiral Konno Yasushige, Commander Escort Flotilla – 2 (CCF - 2). In addition to ships, P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, integral helicopters and fighter aircraft will also participate in the exercise.

 

This comes day after India conducted an exercise with Australia in the Indian Ocean. The Royal Australian Navy and Indian Navy warships completed two-day (23 and 24 September 2020) Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the east Indian Ocean region Wednesday.

 

The exercise was aimed at enhancing interoperability, improving understanding, and imbibing best practices from each other. It involved advanced surface and anti-air exercises including weapon firing, seamanship exercises, naval maneuvers, and Cross Deck Flying Operations.

 

"Royal Australian Navy and Indian Navy warships completed 2 day Passage Exercise (PASSEX). Seamanship evolutions, weapon drills, and cross deck flying undertaken. A high degree of interoperability and jointness was further reinforced," informed the Indian Navy in a press statement. This exercise, in turn, reflects the growing strength of Indo-Australian bilateral relations as comprehensive strategic partners, particularly in defense cooperation in the maritime domain.