In News:

Maritime Exercise Malabar 2024, Commencing at Visakhapatnam on 08 Oct Hosted by India, USA, Australia and Japan in Participation.

Background

• Origins: Initiated in 1992 as a bilateral naval drill between the United States and Indian Navy.
• Evolution: Has grown into a key multilateral exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability and addressing maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific region.

Participating Naval Assets

• India: Various platforms, including:
  • Guided missile destroyers
  • Multi-purpose frigates
  • Submarines
  • Fixed-wing maritime reconnaissance aircraft
  • Fighter aircraft and helicopters
• Australia:
  • HMAS Stuart (Anzac Class Frigate)
  • MH-60R helicopter
  • P-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft
• United States:
  • USS Dewey (Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer)
  • Integral helicopter
  • P-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft
• Japan:
  • JS Ariake (Murasame-class Destroyer)

Focus Areas of the Exercise

• Operational Enhancements:
  • Discussions on special operations
  • Surface, air, and anti-submarine warfare
  • Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE)
• Maritime Operations:
  • Anti-submarine warfare
  • Surface warfare
  • Air defense exercises
• Emphasis: Improving situational awareness in the maritime domain.

Special Events

• Distinguished Visitors’ Day: Scheduled for October 9, 2024.
  • Hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.
• Joint Press Conference: Co-chaired by heads of delegations from all participating nations during the Harbour Phase.

Significance

• Comprehensive Exercise: Malabar 2024 is expected to be the most detailed edition to date, featuring complex operational scenarios and enhanced cooperation among the naval forces of the participating countries.GS Paper