The highly anticipated Maritime Exercise Malabar 2024 is set to kick off in Visakhapatnam on October 8, with participation from four major naval powers: India, the United States, Australia, and Japan. Hosted by India, this year’s iteration will take place over ten days, concluding on October 18, with the initial Harbour Phase at Visakhapatnam, followed by an extensive Sea Phase in the Indian Ocean.
Exercise Malabar, which began as a bilateral naval exercise between the Indian and U.S. Navies in 1992, has expanded into a critical multilateral event. Now a cornerstone of cooperation among these Indo-Pacific partners, the exercise enhances interoperability, strengthens mutual understanding, and addresses shared maritime challenges in the region.
India will showcase an array of naval platforms, including guided missile destroyers, multi-purpose frigates, submarines, maritime reconnaissance (MR) aircraft, fighter jets, and helicopters. Australia is set to deploy its Anzac-class frigate HMAS Stuart, equipped with the MH-60R helicopter and P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The U.S. Navy will contribute the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Dewey, also supported by a P8 aircraft. Japan will send its Murasame-class destroyer JS Ariake to the exercise. Special Forces from all four nations are also expected to participate, adding another layer of complexity to the event.
The exercise will emphasize a wide range of naval operations, such as surface warfare, air defense, and anti-submarine warfare. An integral part of the program includes Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) focused on discussing and improving special operations, enhancing situational awareness, and fine-tuning complex operational procedures at sea.
In the Harbour Phase, Visakhapatnam will host a Distinguished Visitors’ Day on October 9, 2024, where Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, will welcome senior officials and delegates from all four participating nations. A joint press conference, co-chaired by the heads of the naval delegations, will also be held during this phase.
With its incorporation of complex operational scenarios and a diverse mix of surface, sub-surface, and aerial assets, Malabar 2024 is poised to be the most comprehensive edition of the exercise yet. This year’s event will play a pivotal role in ensuring that these Indo-Pacific partners remain at the forefront of maritime security and cooperation in the region. (PR)