The International Naval Exercise Malabar 2024 is set to kick off in Visakhapatnam from October 8 to 18, starting with the Harbour Phase followed by the Sea Phase. Hosted by India, this year’s exercise will involve participation from Australia, Japan, and the United States, known collectively as the Quad nations.
The Harbour Phase will include a special 'Distinguished Visitors' Day' on October 9, where Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, will host delegations from all four nations. Additionally, a Joint Press Conference will be held during this phase, featuring heads of delegations from the participating countries.
Malabar has its roots in 1992 as a bilateral naval drill between the United States and India but has grown into a significant multilateral exercise aimed at improving interoperability and understanding among naval forces. It addresses shared maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific region.
Various Indian naval assets will be deployed, including guided missile destroyers, multi-purpose frigates, submarines, fixed-wing maritime reconnaissance aircraft, fighter jets, and helicopters. Australia will participate with the HMAS Stuart, an Anzac Class Frigate, alongside its MH-60R helicopter and P-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The United States will contribute the USS Dewey, an Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer, along with its integrated helicopter and P-8 aircraft. Japan will also join with the JS Ariake, a Murasame-class Destroyer.
Special Forces from all four nations will take part in the exercise as well. Malabar 2024 will focus on various activities to enhance operational capabilities and cooperation, including discussions on special operations, surface warfare, air operations, and anti-submarine warfare through a Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE).
At sea, complex maritime operations, including anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and air defense exercises, will be conducted, emphasizing improved situational awareness in the maritime domain. This edition of Malabar is anticipated to be the most comprehensive yet, incorporating intricate operational scenarios.
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