The naval forces of India, Japan and the United States participate in the trilateral maritime exercise Malabar, off the coast of Sasebo, Japan.
Malabar Exercise is a 10-days annual exercise aimed at addressing shared threats and improving relations between participating countries.
This year, for the first time, Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force will lead the Malabar exercise through a series of land and sea training events, according to a statement issued Wednesday (25th Sept) by the 7th US Fleet.
Participating Units :
Two frontline indigenously developed ships from Indian Navy — INS Sahyadri, INS Kiltan –have been deployed for the exercise. Sahyadri is a multi-purpose guided missile frigate while the Kiltan is an anti-submarine warfare corvette.
Officials said the US Navy is being represented by USS McCampbell, a Los Angeles-class attack submarine and a P8A long range maritime patrol aircraft.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force has participated with the Izumo class helicopter destroyer JS Kaga, guided missile destroyers JS Samidare and Choukai and a P1 long-range maritime patrol aircraft.
Malabar Exercise:
According to officials, the objective of Malabar 2019, which is being conducted for the 33rd time, is to further strengthen naval ties between the three countries. The exercise also aims to enhance cooperation and inter-operability, based on shared values and principles, between the three Navies.
Complex maritime operations in the surface, sub-surface and air domains including anti-submarine warfare, anti-air and anti-surface firings, maritime interdiction operations will be conducted during the sea-phase of the exercise.
Besides, official visits, professional interactions, sports fixtures and social events will also be conducted during the harbour phase.
