Indian Navy Joins World’s Largest International Maritime Exercise

Indian Navy’s indigenous stealth frigate INS Shivalik, currently on a mission deployment to the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, is participating in the 29th edition of the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. This event, renowned as the world’s largest international maritime exercise, is being held in Hawaii.

According to the US Navy, RIMPAC 2024 involves approximately 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft, and more than 25,000 personnel. The exercise, running until August 1 under the theme ‘Partners: Integrated and Prepared,’ will see participants training and operating in and around the Hawaiian Islands.

Hosted by the Commander of the US Pacific Fleet, the exercise will integrate participating forces in a wide range of capabilities, from disaster relief to maritime security operations, sea control, and complex warfighting scenarios.

“Over the years, the Rim of the Pacific exercise has evolved into the world’s largest and premier joint combined maritime training opportunity,” stated Vice Admiral John Wade, Commander of the US 3rd Fleet and RIMPAC 2024 Combined Task Force (CTF) commander. “The exercise aims to build relationships, enhance interoperability and proficiency, and ultimately contribute to peace and stability in the vital Indo-Pacific region.”

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The exercise will include various amphibious operations, gunnery, missile, anti-submarine, and air defense exercises. It will also cover military medicine, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, counter-piracy, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal, and diving and salvage operations.

In addition to India, participating countries include Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom, and the USA.

Earlier this month, INS Shivalik took part in the eighth edition of the bilateral Japan-India Maritime Exercise 2024 (JIMEX 24) in Yokosuka, Japan. The deployment of the Indian Naval Ship to the region aims to enhance interoperability with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), the US Navy, and other partner navies participating in RIMPAC 24.