USA, Australia, and Japan to Join Maritime Exercise Malabar 2024
The exercise starts with the Harbour Phase in Visakhapatnam, India, followed by the Sea Phase.
Maritime Exercise Malabar 2024 is set for 8 to 18 October 2024. The exercise starts with the Harbour Phase in Visakhapatnam, India, followed by the Sea Phase. India will host the event, with key participation from the U.S., Australia, and Japan. This annual drill, which began in 1992 between the U.S. and India, has now expanded into a critical multilateral effort to enhance military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
The exercise features various naval units from all four nations. India will deploy its guided missile destroyers, frigates, submarines, and aircraft. Australia will send its Anzac-class frigate, HMAS Stuart, along with a P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and MH-60R helicopter. The U.S. will contribute the USS Dewey, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, with a similar helicopter and patrol aircraft. Japan will participate with its Murasame-class destroyer, JS Ariake. Special forces from all countries will also join the drills.
Malabar 2024 aims to improve coordination and operational capabilities through a range of activities. Key focus areas include anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and air defense exercises. The teams will also engage in discussions on special operations, surface, and air warfare strategies. These activities are meant to strengthen cooperation and situational awareness in the region.
A Distinguished Visitors’ Day is planned for 9 October 2024, during the Harbour Phase. Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of India’s Eastern Naval Command, will host the event. Delegations from all participating nations will attend. Additionally, a joint press conference will take place, co-chaired by the heads of delegations from the U.S., Australia, Japan, and India. The event highlights the growing importance of this annual maritime exercise in addressing shared security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
With each year, Malabar grows in complexity and significance, serving as a symbol of the close ties and strategic alignment between these nations.
