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Australia will host Exercise Malabar for the first time, hosting elements from India, Japan, and the United States.
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Now in its 27th year, the exercise aims to deepen interoperability between participating regional partners.
It is scheduled to be held between 10 and 21 August, across Sydney and Australia’s east.
Exercise Malabar is set to include air defence and anti-submarine exercises, aviation, communication, and replenishment at sea taskings, the Commonwealth confirmed.
Australia will contribute an array of maritime and air assets for the exercise, including Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II, Hawk 127 and P-8A aircraft, the MH60R helicopter, as well as HMAS Brisbane and HMAS Choules.
To Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, the exercise is critical to the future prosperity of the Indo-Pacific.
“It is an honour to host Exercise Malabar for the first time here in Australia.
“Amid the current strategic circumstances, it is more important than ever we partner with our neighbours and deepen our defence partnerships.
“Cooperation, shared understanding and knowledge, coupled with training, contributes to shared security and prosperity for our region.”
Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO, recognised the Indian Navy for the opportunity to host the event.
“The Royal Australian Navy is honoured the Indian Navy has provided us the opportunity to host Exercise Malabar; reinforcing the trust and strength of our navy-to-navy relationship.
“This esteemed exercise provides rich opportunities for our people to work and train together, to be prepared as high-functioning teams ready to face the complex challenges of the maritime domain.”
“Exercise Malabar is an investment in Australia’s navy-to-navy relationships, as well as the relationship between the four navies involved. In this way we complement diplomatic efforts to deepen our regional ties and contribute to a region based on trust and respect.”
