Amid growing Chinese assertiveness on maritime issues, the four Quad countries–India, Australia, Japan and the United States– will hold ‘Exercise Malabar’ from 8-18 October beginning with the Harbour Phase in Visakhapatnam, followed by the Sea Phase.

The exercise, which began in 1992 as a bilateral naval drill between the India and the US navies, has evolved into a key multilateral event aimed at enhancing interoperability, fostering mutual understanding, and addressing shared maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific region.

The exercise will feature participation of various Indian naval platforms, including guided missile destroyers, multi-purpose frigates, submarines, fixed wing MR, fighter aircraft and helicopters.

While Australia will deploy HMAS Stuart, an Anzac Class Frigate with its MH-60R helicopter and P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, the US Navy will field the USS Dewey, an Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer with its integral helicopter and P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft. Japan will join the exercise with JS Ariake, a Murasame-class Destroyer. Special Forces from all four nations will also be participating in the exercise.

The exercise will focus on a broad range of activities designed to enhance cooperation and operational capabilities, including discussions on special operations, surface, air, and anti-submarine warfare through a Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE).

Complex maritime operations such as anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and air defense exercises will be conducted at sea, with an emphasis on improving situational awareness in the maritime domain.

A Distinguished Visitors’ Day is planned for 9 October during the Harbour Phase, in which the delegations from all four nations would be hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.

The exercise will also feature a Joint Press Conference as part of the Harbour phase, co-chaired by heads of delegations from all participating countries.

The exercise is expected to be the most comprehensive version of all editions so far, incorporating complex operational scenarios.