CURTAIN RAISER: MALABAR 2024 to Commence at Visakhapatnam on 08 October
The much-anticipated Maritime Exercise Malabar 2024 is set to begin on 08 October 2024 in Visakhapatnam, India, marking a significant event in enhancing maritime cooperation. Hosted by India, this edition will feature the participation of Australia, Japan, and the United States of America. The exercise, which originated as a bilateral drill between the Indian Navy and the US Navy in 1992, has since evolved into a premier multilateral event addressing shared maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific region.
Phases of Malabar 2024
The exercise will take place in two phases:
- Harbour Phase (08-09 October 2024) at Visakhapatnam, where in-depth discussions, coordination, and planning will occur.
- Sea Phase (following the Harbour Phase), involving complex maritime operations and joint exercises at sea.
Participating Naval Forces
The exercise will feature a range of modern naval platforms:
- India: Guided missile destroyers, multi-purpose frigates, submarines, MR and fighter aircraft, helicopters.
- Australia: HMAS Stuart (Anzac Class Frigate) with an MH-60R helicopter and P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
- United States: USS Dewey (Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer) with an integral helicopter and P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
- Japan: JS Ariake (Murasame-class Destroyer).
Special forces from all four nations will participate, emphasizing interoperability and joint capabilities in complex operations.
Focus Areas
Malabar 2024 aims to bolster maritime security and cooperation through:
- Surface, air, and anti-submarine warfare operations.
- Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) for sharing knowledge and operational practices.
- Situational awareness exercises, aimed at strengthening regional maritime security.
Distinguished Visitors’ Day
A Distinguished Visitors’ Day is scheduled for 09 October 2024, where senior officials from all four nations will be hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. A Joint Press Conference will follow, featuring leaders from the participating navies.
The Strategic Significance of Malabar 2024
As one of the most comprehensive editions to date, Malabar 2024 is critical for ensuring regional stability in the Indo-Pacific, enhancing interoperability among the navies, and fostering joint capabilities. The inclusion of special forces and advanced maritime warfare scenarios underscores its importance in preparing the participating nations for real-world contingencies and strengthening their collective maritime domain awareness.
With the Indo-Pacific being a crucial global maritime route, the cooperation and expertise shared in Malabar 2024 will contribute to a more secure and stable region, benefiting not only the participating nations but also the broader international community.