US, India, Japan kick-off joint naval exercise 'Malabar'

NEW DELHI: In a boost to government's 'Act East Policy', the Indian Navy ships Satpura, Sahyadri, Shakti and Kirch are participating in 20th edition of Malabar exercise with US Navy and Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF).

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This trilateral naval exercise will conducted from June 10 to June 17, 2016 with the harbour phase at Sasebo from June 10 to June 13, 2016 and the sea phase in the Pacific Ocean from June 14 to 17 June, 2016.



"The primary aim of this exercise is to increase interoperability amongst the three navies and develop common understanding of procedures for Maritime Security Operations. The scope of MALABAR-16 includes professional interactions in harbour and a diverse range of activities at sea, including complex surface, sub-surface and air operations," a Ministry of Defence press release said.



The Indian Navy ships participating in the exercise are from the Eastern Fleet and include INS Sahyadri and INS Satpura, indigenously built guided missile stealth frigates, INS Shakti, a modern fleet tanker and support ship and INS Kirch an indigenous guided missile corvette. The ships have embarked one Sea King 42B ASW helicopter and two Chetak utility helicopters.



The JMSDF will be represented by JS Hyuga, a helicopter carrier with SH 60 K integral helicopters and Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft, besides other advanced warships for specific parts of the exercise. Additionally, the Special Forces (SF) of the three navies will also interact during the exercise.