US Navy not fielding aircraft carrier for Malabar 2019

For the first time in several years, the US will not field a nuclear-powered super carrier in the 23rd edition of the showpiece India-US-Japan trilateral naval exercise Malabar, being conducted off the coast of Japan from September 26 to October 4.

The focus of the exercise this year will be on anti-submarine warfare operations.

The US Navy has arrived for Malabar with the Los Angeles class attack submarine (SSN) USS Ms Campbell and a P8A Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft. The Indian Navy is participating with a frontline, indigenously developed frigate INS Sahyadri and an anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kiltan, besides a P8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft

The US Navy has arrived for Malabar with the Los Angeles class attack submarine (SSN) USS Ms Campbell and a P8A Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft. The Indian Navy is participating with a frontline, indigenously developed frigate INS Sahyadri and an anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kiltan, besides a P8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft.

With the Eastern Navy Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Suraj Berry embarked on board, the Indian warships steamed into Sasebo harbour in Japan on September 26, according to a statement released by the Indian Navy.

This edition of Malabar also marks the first overseas deployment of an Indian Navy P8I in Japan.

The Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force is fielding the helicopter carrier, JS Kaga and the destroyers JS Samidare and Choukai along with a P1 Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

The Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force is fielding the helicopter carrier, JS Kaga and the destroyers JS Samidare and Choukai along with a P1 Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft

"Malabar 2019 would endeavour to further strengthen India - Japan - US Naval cooperation and enhance interoperability, based on shared values and principles," the Indian Navy stated.

"The Exercise would encompass conduct of complex maritime operations in the surface, sub-surface and air domains, and focus on Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Air and Anti-Surface Firings, Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) including Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) and tactical scenario based Exercise at Sea," the statement added.

"Participation of Indian Navy ships and aircraft in the Exercise would significantly bolster the strong maritime bonds of friendship between the three countries and contribute to security and stability in the region," it elaborated.