India, Japan naval exercises in Arabian Sea from Wednesday

The fifth edition of India-Japan Maritime Bilateral Exercise, JIMEX, will get underway from October 6 in the Arabian Sea.

Image: Izumo Class helicopter carrier Kaga in action in JIMEX 2020

The fifth edition of India-Japan Maritime Bilateral Exercise, JIMEX, will get underway from October 6 in the Arabian Sea.

The exercises between the Indian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force, which will continue till October 8, 2021, will specially focus on maritime security cooperation.

The exercises will see the naval forces of the two countries engage in weapon firings, surface, anti-submarine and air warfare drills and cross-deck helicopter operations.

Image: Indian naval ships in action during JIMEX 2020

The exercise intends to develop shared understanding of operational procedures and further enhance inter-operability through advanced exercises, across the entire spectrum of maritime operations. 

Indian Navy has deployed the indigenously-built guided missile stealth destroyer INS Kochi and guided missile frigate INS Teg for the exercises. Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet Rear Admiral Ajay Kochhar will lead the Indian side.

Image: A Japanese MSDF helicopter lands on guided missile destroyer

The Japanese MSDF will be represented by the Izumo Class helicopter carrier Kaga and guided missile destroyer Murasame. 

The Japanese naval force will be commanded by Rear Admiral IkeuchiIzuru, Commander Escort Flotila - 3  (CCF-3). 

Image: Indian naval ships in action during JIMEX 2020

Besides naval ships, aircraft like the P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, helicopters and the IAF's MiG-29K fighter jets will be part of the drills.

The last edition of the JIMEX series of exercises, which commenced in January 2012, was conducted in September 2020.