The navies of India, the United States, Japan and Australia have begun Exercise Malabar 2026 at Yokosuka, Japan, bringing all four Quad partners together for advanced multi-domain maritime training. The exercise, which started on 5 November, runs until 12 November in waters south of Japan's Kanto region, according to Defence Watch.

India is taking part with INS Sahyadri, an indigenously designed and built Shivalik-class guided-missile stealth frigate from the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet. The warship arrived at Yokosuka Naval Base on 4 November, where it was welcomed by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

Ships and aircraft taking part

Japan has deployed the helicopter destroyer JS Ise, the Mogami-class frigate JS Mogami, a submarine and a P-1 maritime patrol aircraft. Australia is contributing the frigate HMAS Stuart and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, while the United States has sent a P-8A aircraft and an amphibious transport dock, Defence Aviation Post reports.

The exercise is being conducted in two phases, harbour and sea, featuring professional exchanges, coordinated planning and advanced maritime operations. According to information released by the Indian Ministry of Defence, Malabar 2026 is designed to improve operational coordination, enhance interoperability and facilitate the exchange of professional expertise among the participating navies.

Focus on a free and open Indo-Pacific

The exercise holds strategic importance as the four countries seek to strengthen regional security and protect freedom of navigation across the Indo-Pacific. The latest edition follows the third Quad foreign ministers' meeting of the year, held last week on the margins of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta.