Quad countries all set to commence Malabar exercise from today
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New Delhi, Aug 26: The navies of India, the United States, Japan, and Australia will commence the 25th edition of the Malabar naval drills off the coast of the Pacific island Guam on Thursday. The latest edition, called Malabar 21, will be held from August 26 to 29. All four members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or the Quad have been participating in the exercise since 2020.
The Malabar drills would witness complex exercises including anti-surface, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare drill, and other maneuvers and tactical exercises. The exercise will provide an opportunity for participating navies to derive benefit from each other’s expertise and experiences.
Two Indian warships, INS Shivalik and INS Kadmatt, a P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft, and the navy’s marine commandos (MARCOS) will be taking part in this year’s Malabar drill. The US Navy will be represented by USS Barry, USNS Rappahannock, USNS Big Horn and P8A patrol aircraft. The Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force will be represented by JS Kaga, Murasame and Shiranui, in addition to a submarine and P1 patrol aircraft. The Royal Australian Navy will be represented by HMAS Warramunga.
"The aim of the exercise is to increase interoperability amongst the participating navies, develop common understanding and SOPs for Maritime Security Operations", the Indian Navy said in a statement on Wednesday. The conduct of the exercise while observing health protocols during the COVID-19 global pandemic is a testimony to the synergy between the participating navies and our shared vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
Also Read: Second Phase Of Malabar Exercise To Begin From Tomorrow
The Malabar series of exercises, which began as an annual bilateral naval exercise between India and the US in 1992, has seen increasing scope and complexity over the years. The 24th edition of MALABAR, which is being presently undertaken, highlights enhanced convergence of views amongst the four vibrant democracies on maritime issues and showcases their commitment to an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order.
The first phase of the Malabar 2020 was held earlier this month off the Visakhapatnam coast. Australia participated in the mega exercise for the first time in 13 years, bringing all four Quad countries together for the military games.