The 27th edition of Exercise MALABAR, known as MALABAR 23, concluded on the East Coast of Australia off Sydney. This joint naval exercise, aimed at enhancing interoperability and war-fighting skills, saw participation from the Indian Navy, Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF), and the US Navy (USN). The exercise was conducted in two phases, a harbour phase from August 11 to 15, 2023, and a sea phase from August 16 to 21.
The Indian Navy was represented by indigenously built Destroyer INS Kolkata, Frigate INS Sahyadri, and P8i Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The participating units also included RAN ships HMAS Choules and HMAS Brisbane, USS Raphael Peralta, JS Shiranui, along with submarines, fighter aircraft, maritime patrol aircraft, and shipborne helicopters.
During the sea phase, the ships sailed out from Sydney harbour, while the air assets operated from RAAF Amberley Brisbane. The P-8I Dets involving IN, RAAF, and US P-8 crew were stationed at RAAF Amberley Brisbane. The sea phase witnessed complex and high intensity exercises in air, surface, and undersea domains, with weapon firings and cross deck helicopter operations.
The joint exercises at sea showcased the exceptional coordination and interoperability between the Indian, Australian, and US maritime units. This exercise not only demonstrated the ability of the four navies to operate together as an integrated force but also highlighted their shared commitment to maritime security and regional stability through collaborative training and mutual understanding.
Exercise MALABAR played a significant role in promoting peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The seamless integration of air assets showcased the collective ability and strong cooperation between the participating nations. The exercises were aimed at ensuring a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific and strengthening the strategic partnership between the navies. The successful conclusion of Exercise MALABAR 23 reaffirmed the commitment of the four navies to work together for a secure and stable maritime environment.
