Maritime News India : Visakhapatnam, 09 October 2024 – The Opening Ceremony of MALABAR 2024, a significant multi-national maritime exercise, was held today aboard the Indian Naval Ship Satpura. The event marks the 28th edition of the exercise, which began on 08 October and will run until 18 October 2024.
Hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, the ceremony was attended by senior naval and military officials from participating countries, including the United States, Japan, and Australia. Notable dignitaries included General Yoshihide Yoshida, Chief of Staff of Japan’s Joint Staff, Admiral Stephen Koehler, Commander of the US Pacific Fleet, Vice Admiral Katsushi Omachi of the Japan Self Defence Fleet, and Rear Admiral Chris Smith, Commander of the Australian Fleet.
During the ceremony, commanders from all participating navies highlighted the exercise’s crucial role in fostering collaboration and addressing common maritime challenges. MALABAR 2024 features an array of operations, including live weapon firings and complex surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare drills.
The exercise will unfold in two distinct phases—harbor and at sea—bringing together a formidable fleet of destroyers, frigates, corvettes, and support ships, along with long-range maritime patrol aircraft and submarines.
MALABAR not only enhances the training capabilities of participating nations but also aligns with India’s vision of “Security & Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR), reinforcing the nation’s commitment to strengthening ties with like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
