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New Delhi, August 26, 2021
Member countries of Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad or QSD) have commenced a four-day naval exercise, simultaneously marking the 25th Anniversary of the grouping.
Quad countries, including India, Japan, Australia and the US are a part of the ‘Malabar 2021’ exercise from August 26 to August 29, 2021, involving anti-surface, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare drills and other manoeuvres and tactical exercises.
The year’s events are being hosted by the US Navy in the Western Pacific.
A Defence Ministry official said that the ongoing programme will also include high-tempo exercises conducted between Destroyers, Frigates, Corvettes, Submarines, Helicopters and Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft of the participating Naval forces.
“The exercise is a testimony to the synergy between the participating Navies and a shared vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region,” he said.
Impressive fleet and hardware
The Indian Navy is participating with its fleet- INS Shivalik and INS Kadmatt and P-8 Poseidon Patrol aircraft led by Rear Admiral Tarun Sobti, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet.
The US Navy is being represented by USS Barry, USNS Rappahannock, USNS Big Horn and P8A Patrol aircraft, while the Japanese have sent their Maritime Self Defence Force, represented by JS Kaga, Murasame and Shiranui, in addition to a submarine and P1 patrol aircraft. The Royal Australian Navy has HMAS Warramunga.
About Malabar 2021
The Harbour Phase of the Malabar naval exercises were held from August 21 to August 24, 2021 in Guam, US.
“During this phase, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral AB Singh exchanged views with counterparts in the US Navy,” the official said.
The exercise provided an opportunity for the participating Navies to benefit from each other’s expertise and experiences while observing the Covid-19 health protocols.
Malabar Exercises
The Malabar series of Exercises are aimed at increasing the interoperability of naval powers of the four countries of the Quad. The ultimate goal of joint naval manoeuvres in these exercises is the demonstration of the capability of Quad Nations in the maritime domain.
The Malabar series of maritime exercises commenced in 1992 as an initiative between the Indian and US Naval forces.
In 2015, Japan joined Quad as a Permanent Member with its Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force as a permanent member. The Royal Australian Navy entered the exercise in 2020.
Source: Indian News Network New Delhi
