India, Japan to conduct JIMEX naval drills in Arabian Sea

New Delhi, Oct 5: With an aim to enhance bilateral defence co-operation, India and Japan will hold naval drills in the Arabian Sea from October 6-8. This will be the fifth edition of the India – Japan Maritime Bilateral Exercise, JIMEX between the Indian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force.

 

 

It should be noted that JIMEX series of exercises commenced in January 2012 with special focus on maritime security cooperation. The last edition of JIMEX was conducted in September 2020.

 

Indian Navy will send indigenously built guided missile stealth destroyer Kochi and guided missile frigate Teg under the command of Rear Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet. On the other hand, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force will be represented by JMSDF ships Kaga, an Izumo Class Helicopter Carrier and Murasame, a Guided Missile Destroyer, led by Rear Admiral Ikeuchi Izuru, Commander Escort Flotila - 3 (CCF-3).

 

 

In addition to these ships, P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, integral helicopters and MiG 29K fighter aircraft will also participate in the exercise.

 

The JIMEX-21 aims to develop common understanding of operational procedures and enhance inter-operability through conduct of a multitude of advanced exercises, across the entire 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.

 

 

"Naval cooperation between India and Japan has increased in scope and complexity over years. JIMEX-21 will further enhance the cooperation and mutual confidence between the two navies and fortify the long-standing bond of friendship between the two countries," the Defence Ministry said.