Japan-India bilateral maritime exercise JIMEX
- The 5th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise JIMEX, between Japan and India, was conducted in the Arabian Sea.
- The exercise saw the ships and aircraft of Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) and Indian Navy (IN) engaging in a high tempo of operations focused on air, surface and sub-surface dimensions of maritime operations as well as the air domain.
- The Indian Navy (IN), under the command of RAdm Ajay Kochhar, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, is participating with indigenous Guided Missile Destroyer, INS Kochi (with Sea King MK 42B helicopter) and the Guided Missile Frigate INS Teg (with SAR capable Chetak helicopter).
- The IN is also fielding a P8I, a shore-based maritime reconnaissance aircraft, and MiG 29K fighters.
- Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) is led by RAdm IkeuchiIzuru, Commander, Escort Flotilla Three comprising of the Izumo Class Helicopter Carrier Kaga and the Guided Missile Destroyer Murasame.
- Both ships are participating with integral SH60K helicopters.
- The exercise also involved complex Over the Horizon Targeting exercises and surface gunshots on an expendable target.
- An advanced coordinated anti-submarine exercise involving an underwater target deployed by JMSDF saw surface units and IN’s P8I aircraft exercising with seamless coordination.
- The Air Domain operations included advanced anti-aircraft firing exercises on Expendable Aerial Target launched from the deck of INS Kochi and ship controlled Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat drills by IN’s MiG 29K fighters.
- The exercise involved a high tempo of flying operations with MiG 29K fighters coming in for multiple simulated airstrikes on surface units, shepherded by the IN’s Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Dornier.