Visakhapatnam to Host Harbour Phase of ‘Malabar 2024’ Naval Exercises
The harbour phase of the Malabar 2024 naval exercises is set to kick off in Visakhapatnam. This event, involving the naval forces of multiple countries, aims to enhance maritime cooperation and readiness among the participating nations
Malabar 2024
The maritime exercise ‘Malabar 2024’ is scheduled to take place from October 8 to 18, starting with the harbour phase in Visakhapatnam, followed by the sea phase. Hosted by India, this year's exercise will see the participation of Australia, Japan, and the United States.
Various Indian naval platforms will be involved, including guided missile destroyers, multi-purpose frigates, submarines, fixed-wing maritime reconnaissance aircraft, fighter jets, and helicopters. Australia will contribute HMAS Stuart, an Anzac-class frigate equipped with its MH-60R helicopter and P-8 maritime patrol aircraft. The United States Navy will field the USS Dewey, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, along with its integral helicopter and P-8 maritime patrol aircraft. Japan will join the exercise with JS Ariake, a Murasame-class destroyer. Special Forces from all four nations will also participate.
The exercises will focus on a range of activities aimed at enhancing operational capabilities and cooperation, including discussions on special operations, surface warfare, air defence, and anti-submarine warfare through Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE). At sea, complex maritime operations such as anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and air defence exercises will take place, emphasising improved situational awareness in the maritime domain.
During the harbour phase, a distinguished visitors' day is planned for October 9, where delegations from the participating nations will be hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command. Originally starting as a bilateral naval drill between the United States and India in 1992, Exercise Malabar has evolved into a vital multilateral event aimed at enhancing interoperability and addressing shared maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific region. This edition, ‘Malabar 2024,’ is expected to be the most comprehensive yet, featuring complex operational scenarios.
