Indigenously built INS Sahyadri and anti-sub warfare Corvette Kiltan participating in the drill

The Geo-strategically vital maritime exercise “Malabar”, involving India, US and Japan, commenced today off the coast of Japan.

The exercise, which will conclude on October 4, will see participation by two front-line indigenously designed and built Indian Naval ships, INS Sahyadri and anti-submarine warfare Corvette Kiltan, participate.

Besides, Boeing ‘P8I’ long-range maritime patrol aircraft, also arrived in Japan for the exercise.

The US Navy is being represented by USS McCampbell, a Los Angeles-class attack submarine and a Boeing ‘P8A’ long-range maritime patrol aircraft. The Japanese would be participating with its Izumo class helicopter carrier JS Kaga, guided missile destroyers JS Samidare and Choukai and a ‘P1’ long-range maritime patrol aircraft.

The exercise would encompass conduct of complex maritime operations with a focus on anti-submarine warfare, anti-air and anti-surface firings, maritime interdiction operations, including visit board search and seizure and tactical scenario based exercise at sea.