Quad group of countries take part in back-to-back naval war games

Last Updated22/10/2024

The Quad group of countries — India, Australia, Japan and the U.S. — held back-to-back naval war games, deepening interoperability and honing, in particular, their anti-submarine warfare skills. ‘Exercise Malabar’, comprising the four countries.

The Quad countries — India, Australia, Japan, and the U.S. — have recently conducted significant naval exercises aimed at enhancing their joint operational capabilities, especially in anti-submarine warfare. These exercises, Exercise Malabar 2024 and Exercise Kakadu, are key components of their strategy to address growing maritime security challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

Exercise Malabar, which ran from October 8 to 18, 2024, off the coast of Visakhapatnam, was termed the “most comprehensive” edition to date by the Indian Navy. Initially a bilateral exercise between India and the U.S. in 1992, it has evolved into a major multilateral event involving Australia and Japan as well. The focus areas included:
Interoperability and Collaboration: The exercise aimed to foster better understanding and coordination between the Quad partners, especially in addressing the increasing complexity of maritime security threats.
Anti-Submarine Warfare: Given the rise of the Chinese Navy’s activities in the Indian Ocean, anti-submarine warfare and undersea domain awareness were major focus areas for the participating nations.

Harbour Phase: Held in Visakhapatnam, where participating units engaged in planning and interactions.
Sea Phase: Conducted in the Bay of Bengal, where more complex operational scenarios were tested. This included surface, sub-surface, and air warfare, as well as seamanship evolutions such as refuelling and maritime interdiction.

Each Quad country deployed significant naval assets:
India: Indian Navy led the coordination and facilitated the complex sea drills.
Australia: Deployed HMAS Stuart, a frigate, along with its MH-60R helicopter and P-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA).
Japan: Participated with JS Ariake, a Murasame-class destroyer.
U.S.: Fielded USS Dewey, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, and P-8 MPA, integral to anti-submarine warfare efforts.

Held from September 9 to 20, 2024, in the northern Australian waters, Exercise Kakadu is a flagship maritime event hosted by the Royal Australian Navy. It brought together nearly 3,000 personnel from 30 countries, with ships from 10 nations and aircraft from five.

Warfighting to Humanitarian Operations: Exercise Kakadu covered a broad spectrum of naval activities, showcasing a commitment to operational excellence and expanding capabilities in various domains.
Regional Solidarity: Captain David Tietzel, the exercise director, highlighted the event as a testament to the enduring partnerships and strategic unity among participating nations, demonstrating the Quad’s commitment to regional maritime security.
The Indian Navy participated with a P-8I MPA, showcasing India’s growing role in regional security efforts and reinforcing maritime domain awareness.

Both Exercise Malabar and Exercise Kakadu reflect the increasing coordination and collaboration between Quad members, aimed at addressing shared maritime concerns, particularly the rise of China's influence in the region.
By conducting these back-to-back exercises, the Quad nations are honing their operational readiness, enhancing interoperability, and preparing for a range of maritime challenges in the Indo-Pacific.