Exercise Malabar 2024 Kicks Off with Opening Ceremony
The 28th edition of Exercise Malabar, a multinational maritime exercise, commenced on October 8, 2024, with an opening ceremony onboard Indian Naval Ship Satpura at Visakhapatnam. Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, hosted the ceremony, attended by senior naval and military dignitaries from participating nations, including Japan, the US, and Australia.
General Yoshihide Yoshida, Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, Japan, Admiral Stephen Koehler, Commander US Pacific Fleet, and Rear Admiral Chris Smith, Commander Australian Fleet, were among the dignitaries present. The crew and planning staff of participating ships, aircraft, and special forces from the four nations also attended.
Exercise Malabar, initiated in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between India and the US, has evolved into a significant maritime engagement with the participation of Japan and Australia. The exercise aims to enhance understanding, collaboration, and engagement to address common maritime challenges.
The exercise will be conducted in two phases, at harbor and at sea, featuring live weapon firings, complex surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare drills, and joint maneuvers. Destroyers, frigates, corvettes, fleet support ships, long-range maritime patrol aircraft, jet aircraft, integral helicopters, and submarine assets will participate.
Exercise Malabar 2024 aligns with the Indian Government’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and reflects India’s growing engagement with like-minded nations. The exercise will conclude on October 18, 2024.
