Japan hosts naval exercise Malabar 2026

• Exercise Malabar is an annual, multilateral, maritime field training exercise involving the navies of India, the US, Australia and Japan.

• This year’s exercise commenced at Funakoshi in Japan on November 5. It will conclude on November 12.

• The Indian Navy has deployed its guided missile frigate INS Sahyadri for the exercise.

• INS Sahyadri’s participation in the exercise 2026 underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to fostering maritime partnerships and advancing cooperation with like-minded navies in the region, in resonance with the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

• Malabar exercise is focused on integrating interoperability training in a multi-domain environment. 

• This training builds real-world proficiency in detecting, locating, tracking, and engaging units at sea, in the air, and in cyberspace.

• At-sea exercises are scheduled to include combined training in the surface, sub-surface, air and information domains.

History of Malabar exercise

• The Malabar exercise started in 1992 as a bilateral drill between the Indian Navy and the US Navy in the Indian Ocean. 

• Japan became a permanent member of the exercise in 2015. 

• Following India’s invitation, Australia participated in the Malabar Exercise in 2020 that effectively made it a drill by all four member nations of the Quad or Quadrilateral coalition. Australia hosted the 2023 edition.

• The Malabar exercises enhanced synergy, interoperability and coordination between the four country navies.

• By enhancing the combined capabilities of the four participating nations, Malabar 2026 demonstrates a shared commitment to the rule of law and the freedom of navigation. 

• This exercise supports a free and open Indo-Pacific and reinforces the collective resolve to maintain a stable, secure, and prosperous region and deter all aggressors.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)