Exercise Malabar kicks off with India, US, Australia, Japan participation

Indian defense authorities said on Wednesday that opening ceremony of the 28th edition of Exercise Malabar 2024 was held onboard Indian Naval Ship Satpura at Visakhapatnam in South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. A statement from the Indian Defense Ministry said that the 28th edition of the multi-national maritime exercise that commenced on 08 October would extend till 18 October. The Exercise Malabar started as a bilateral exercise between India and the US in 1992, assumed momentum as a significant maritime event after Japan and Australia joined it subsequently. Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar hosted the event and senior naval and military dignitaries from participating nations took part in it. "The Commanders of all participating navies acknowledged the importance of Exercise Malabar in enhancing understanding, collaboration and engagement to address common maritime challenges and to create cooperative framework," the statement said. Destroyers, fr igates, corvettes and fleet support ships along with long range maritime patrol aircraft, jet aircraft, integral helicopters and submarine assets from participating countries joined the Exercise Malabar 2024. The high-tempo maritime event, conducted in harbour and sea phases will see live weapon firings, complex surface, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare drills and joint manoeuvres. The high-tempo event will witness participation by destroyers, frigates, corvettes and fleet support ships along with long range maritime patrol aircraft, jet aircraft, integral helicopters and submarine assets. Source: Kuwait News Agency