The Indian Navy took part in the sea phase of Exercise Malabar 2021 from August 26, 2021, along with the US Navy (USN), Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). This year marks the 25th edition of Ex Malabar, being hosted by USN in the Western Pacific.
The Malabar series of maritime exercises commenced in 1992 as an IN-USN Exercise. In 2015, JMSDF joined Malabar as a permanent member. The 2020 edition witnessed the participation of the Royal Australian Navy.
The Indian Navy’s participation includes INS Shivalik and INS Kadmatt and P8I patrol aircraft. The US Navy will be represented by USS Barry, USNS Rappahannock, USNS Big Horn and P8A patrol aircraft. The Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force will be represented by JS Kaga, Murasame and Shiranui, in addition to a submarine and P1 patrol aircraft. The Royal Australian Navy will be represented by HMAS Warramunga.
MALABAR-21 is a set of complex exercises including anti-surface, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare drills, other manoeuvres and tactical exercises. The exercise aims for helping participating navies derive benefit from each other’s expertise and experiences. The conduct of the exercise while observing health protocols during the COVID-19 global pandemic is a testimony to the synergy between the participating navies and a shared vision for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.