Science and Technology
In news: The 26th edition of Exercise Malabar culminated in the seas off the coast of Japan.
- It was hosted by the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF)
- 25th edition was hosted by the US Navy in the Western Pacific.
About Exercise Malabar:
- Malabar series of exercises began in 1992 as a maritime drill between Navies of India and the US.
- In 2015, the Japan (JMSDF) joined Exercise Malabar as a permanent member. The 2020 edition witnessed the participation of the Royal Australian Navy.
- The 26th edition is quadrilateral maritime drill among the navies of the Quad countries — India, the United States, Japan and Australia.
- The exercise aimed at cooperation in the strategically significant Indo-Pacific region, through improved interoperability with the partner navies.
- In the 26th edition
- The Indian Navy was represented by Eastern Fleet, led by its Flag Officer Commanding, Rear Admiral Sanjay Bhalla.
- The Indian contingent was represented by stealth multirole frigate INS Shivalik and anti-submarine corvette INS Kamorta.
- ‘War at Sea’ exercise
- Exchange of ‘Sea Riders’
- Significance: Apart from operational drills and exercises, the bilateral logistics support agreements between the participating countries were validated.
Source: Indian Express
