Tawqeer Hussain
The navies of Quad Countries – India, United States, Japan, and Australia – kick off the 25th edition of the Malabar naval drills off the coast of the Pacific island Guam on Thursday.
The latest edition, called Malabar 21, will be held from August 26 to 29.
According to the statement issued by the Indian Navy, “The exercise will provide an opportunity for common minded navies to enhance inter-operability, gain from best practices and develop a common understanding of procedures for Maritime Security Operations”
Malabar exercise originally begun in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between India and the United States, the exercise was expanded in 2007 with the participation of Japan, Singapore, and Australia. Japan became a permanent partner in 2015. Australia participated in the exercise again in 2020, marking the second time that the Quad will be jointly participating in a military exercise.
Two Indian warships, INS Shivalik and INS Kadmatt, a P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft, and the navy’s marine commandos (MARCOS) are taking part in this year’s Malabar drill.
“MALABAR-21 would witness high-tempo exercises conducted between Destroyers, Frigates, Corvettes, Submarines, Helicopters and Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft of the participating navies. Complex surface, sub-surface and air operations including Live Weapon Firing Drills, Anti-Surface, Anti-Air, and Anti-Submarine Warfare Drills, Joint Manoeuvres, and Tactical exercises will be conducted during the exercise. The conduct of these exercises despite COVID restrictions is a testimony of synergy between the participating navies and commitment to safer seas,” the statement added.
