Visakhapatnam, India – Representatives from the Quad navies of Japan, the United States, Australia, and India convened onboard INS Satpura at the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday for the opening ceremony of the harbor phase of the Malabar 2024 maritime exercise.
The officials emphasized the combined strength of the four navies and their readiness to address challenges such as cyber warfare in the Indo-Pacific region.
Recognizing the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean, which carries a significant portion of the world's cargo and oil traffic, the naval leaders highlighted the exercise's focus on enhancing coastal security.
Australian Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Christopher Smith, US Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Stephen Koehler, Eastern Naval Command Flag-Officer-Commanding-in-Chief Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, and Japan Self Defence Fleet Commander-in-Chief Vice Admiral Katsushi Omachi addressed a joint press conference, underscoring the significance of Malabar 2024 in showcasing the naval capabilities of the four nations and strengthening cooperation in areas like technology and cyber warfare.
Admiral Koehler emphasized the importance of joint training in the Indian Ocean to bolster combat readiness and interoperability, stating, "Malabar is a great example of a united team working together to end conflict and strengthen our power." He also highlighted the strong partnership between the US and Indian navies, including the regular maintenance of US ships at Indian shipyards.
Rear Admiral Smith noted that Malabar 2024 marks a return to the exercise's origins in the Indian Ocean, following the 2023 edition held off the east coast of Australia. The Malabar exercise, initiated as a bilateral endeavor between India and the US in 1992, has evolved into a key multilateral naval exercise.
Vice Admiral Omachi expressed his hope for continued strengthening of multilateral ties, stating, "The cooperation of our four navies is now closer and stronger than before." Vice Admiral Pendharkar reaffirmed the Indian Navy's commitment to maritime security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the shared goal of achieving peace and stability in the region.
This year's exercise involves eight ships and approximately twelve aircraft from the participating nations.
The US Navy has deployed the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) and a P-8 Poseidon aircraft.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is represented by the Murasame-class destroyer JS Ariake (DD 109).
Australia's contribution includes the Anzac-class frigate HMAS Stuart (FFH 153) and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
India's participation features the guided-missile destroyer INS Delhi (D 61) and at least four other ships and aircraft.
Malabar 2024 serves as a powerful demonstration of the Quad's commitment to collaborative maritime security and a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
