The 21st edition of the exercise featured 95 aircraft, 16 ships and two submarines
The United States, Indian, and Japanese navies on Monday concluded the Malabar’ naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal that demonstrated the strong and resilient relationship between the three democracies.
The 21st edition of the exercise, Malabar-17, which began on July 10, featured 95 aircraft, 16 ships and two submarines and its prime aim was to increase interoperability amongst the three navies as well as develop common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations.
INS Vikramaditya represented the Indian Navy with its air wing, guided missile destroyer Ranvir, indigenous stealth frigates Shivalik and Sahyadri, indigenous ASW corvette Kamorta, missile corvettes Kora and Kirpan, one Sindhughosh class submarine, fleet tanker INS Jyoti and Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I, according to an official Navy press release.
The US Navy was represented by the ships from the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and other units from the US 7th Fleet. The US Navy forces included the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier Nimitz with its air wing, Ticonderoga-class cruiser Princeton, Arleigh Burke-class destroyers Kidd, Howard, and Shoup along with integral helicopters, a Los Angeles-class attack submarine and one Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8A.
The one-week long trilateral exercise became more significant as China is trying to increase their presence in the Indian Ocean region. However, Navy officials dismissed the rumors that the exercise was aimed at China.
“We are increasing interoperability and that is going to be the key,” The Hindu quoted Rear Admiral William D. Byrne Jr. commander, Carrier Strike Group, 11, US Navy.
“Perhaps in the future, if we have to come together for real- be it for a disaster relief effort or an anti-piracy operation, or God forbid, if there is an actual crisis in the Indian Ocean, the Japanese would come to assist, the US Navy would come to assist and because of Malabar, we will know each other better, we will be able to cooperate better, and meet any maritime challenges we might face,” he said.
The exercise witnesses a series of operations including India and US fighter jets fly together over mighty warships in the Bay of Bengal and also featured both ashore and at-sea training. The ashore training was in Chennai from July 10 to 13 and the sea-phase activities were held between July 14 to 17. Various maneuvers were undertaken in rough seas in the Bay of Bengal.
Social Media Updates:
As #Malabar2017 comes to an end, @USNavy @indiannavy @JMSDF_PAO ships sail in formation, then break off. Fair Winds& Following Seas to all! pic.twitter.com/pNqLqI85rZ
— U.S. Ambassador to India (@USAmbIndia) July 18, 2017
As part of ongoing #Malabar2017 exercise in Bay of Bengal, @IndianNavy MIG-29K Fulcrums fly over #USSNimitz while training together. pic.twitter.com/jyBeS6d3xB
— U.S. Pacific Fleet (@USPacificFleet) July 17, 2017
#Malabar2017 Enjoy the frame with 3 Carriers in a close formation. @USNavy USS Nimitz, INS Vikramaditya & @JMSDF_PAO JS Izumo pic.twitter.com/KdliwLQ0mD
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) July 17, 2017