Expansion of Malabar Exercise

In News

• The expansion of the Malabar naval exercise in the future is a possibility as Chief of US Naval Operations Admiral.

Second Phase of Malabar Exercises

• Phase­ I of Malabar was held in August and hosted by the U.S. Navy near Guam. 
• Phase ­II is being held between 12 to 15 October in the Bay of Bengal.
  • Phase­II would build upon the synergy, coordination and interoperability developed during Phase­I of the exercise.
  • It would also focus on advanced surface and anti-submarine warfare exercises, seamanship evolutions and weapon firings. 
• The 25th edition of Malabar, being conducted in 2 phases while observing all protocols during the pandemic.
• It is reflective of the commitment of the participating countries to support a free, open, inclusive Indo­Pacific as well as a rules ­based international order.

Aim of the Malabar Exercise

• Inter-operable Airfields, Ports and Refuelling Capabilities
  • These exercises will help in materialising the agreements regarding communications and logistics.
  • They will make the two sides more inter­ operable.

Plans of Future Expansion

• Cyber Warfare:
  • Cyber would be among an area that is being discussed to be refined in terms of working together as well as high ­end operations.
  • It may be deployed in the air, on the sea and under the sea.
• Inclusion of UK:
  • After the AUKUS Pact, UK may also be invited to join the Malabar.
  • Although any decision on it will have to be taken by the four Quad member countries.

For more details on QUAD, please refer to the link.

Source: TH