New Delhi: Nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier Carl Vinson will participate in the second phase of the high-voltage Malabar exercise to be held from October 12-15. The navies of all the four quad countries – India, US, Australia and Japan are involved in this exercise.
Officials said on Sunday that the exercise will take place in the Bay of Bengal and will involve several complex warships and other assets of the four navies. The first phase of the exercise was conducted in the Philippines Sea from 26 to 29 August 2021.
“The second phase of the exercise will be based on the synergy, coordination and interoperability developed during the first phase of the exercise and will focus on advanced surface and anti-submarine warfare exercises, navigator development and weapon firing,” a statement said.
He said the Indian Navy will deploy its frontline warships INS Rannvijay and INS Satpura, a submarine and a fleet of P8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft.
In addition to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, the US will also deploy the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain and the Earle Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Stockdale.
After making its maiden voyage in 1983, USS Carl Vinson was part of several major operations including Operation Desert Strike, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Southern Watch and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Officials said the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will deploy helicopter carrier JS Kaga and Murasame-class destroyer JS Murasame, while the Royal Australian Navy will be represented by HMAS Ballarat and HMAS Sirius.
“The second phase of the exercise will be based on the synergy, coordination and interoperability developed during the first phase of the exercise and will focus on advanced surface and anti-submarine warfare exercises, navigator development and weapon firing,” the Indian Navy spokesperson Commander said. Vivek Madhwal said.
“The 25th edition of the Malabar exercise, while adhering to all protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, calls on participating countries to support a free, open, inclusive Indo-Pacific as well as a rules-based international order. Shows commitment. ” he said.
Following India’s invitation, Australia participated in the Malabar exercise last year, which effectively made it an exercise by all four member states of the Quad or Quadrilateral alliance. Australia participated in the first leg of the Malabar exercise this year as well.
The exercise saw a new impetus in the backdrop of growing convergence of interests in the maritime domain among the four Quad countries.
China has been dubious about the purpose of the Malabar exercise as it feels the annual war games are an attempt to control its influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Malabar exercise began in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between the Indian Navy and the US Navy in the Indian Ocean. Japan became a permanent member of the exercise in 2015.
The annual exercise was conducted off the coast of Guam in 2018 and off the coast of Japan in 2019.
Global concerns are growing about China’s growing military assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
India, America, Australia, Japan and many other like-minded countries are working towards ensuring a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
with PTI input
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