Australia has joined India, Japan and the United States for Exercise Malabar, a key Indo-Pacific maritime activity designed to deepen interoperability between regional partners.
Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, said with regional security challenges evolving rapidly, partnerships and joint exercises are more important than ever.
“Through Exercise Malabar, Australia and partner nations are strengthening Indo-Pacific security by tackling shared challenges, coordinating collective strength and closing gaps in global engagement.”
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Anzac-class frigate, HMAS Ballarat, will participate in the Exercise in the west Pacific training area between 10 and 18 November.
Commander Dean Uren, Commanding Officer HMAS Ballarat, said his crew was looking forward to working alongside some of its most advanced and professional peers.
“Our participation in Exercise Malabar forms part of our three-month Regional Presence Deployment from Australia, and is fantastic opportunity to enhance interoperability with key Indo-Pacific partners,” Commander Uren said.
“With a crew of 177 and an embarked MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, HMAS Ballarat brings significant capability to Exercise Malabar."
A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft will also participate in Exercise Malabar, flying its missions from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.
Exercise Malabar was established as an annual bilateral training activity between India and the United States in 1992. Australia has hosted the 2023 iteration.
“Training alongside regional partners ensures our people and platforms are ready to respond to any challenge and deter coercion in the Indo-Pacific,” Commander Uren said.
HMAS Ballarat is capable of conducting air defence, surface and undersea warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction missions.
This ship is fitted with systems, which can counter simultaneous threats from aircraft, surface vessels and submarines.