JAIMEX 2025

Recently, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri participated in the Sea phase of JAIMEX-25, a maritime exercise between India and Japan. This exercise highlights the growing cooperation between the two countries in the maritime domain, specifically within the context of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership established in 2014.

About JAIMEX 2025

• Objective: The exercise aims to enhance naval cooperation and interoperability between the Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). This partnership plays a critical role in promoting peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

• Phases of the Exercise:

  1. Sea Phase:

     • This phase involves advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) drills, missile defense operations, and other joint maritime operations.

     • It enhances interoperability between the two navies, particularly in flying operations and underway replenishment (refueling and resupply while at sea).

  2. Harbour Phase:

     • This phase, held at Yokosuka, includes professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, cultural exchanges, operational planning, and the sharing of best practices.

Significance of JAIMEX 2025

• Strengthening Bilateral Ties: JAIMEX-25 is another step in the deepening India-Japan naval cooperation, which is a cornerstone of their broader strategic partnership.

• Vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific: Both nations share a vision of promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The exercises help bolster their shared commitment to maritime security and regional stability.

• Other Bilateral Exercises:

  • Malabar Exercise: A trilateral naval exercise involving India, Japan, and the United States.

  • Veer Guardian: An Air Force exercise between India and Japan.

  • Dharma Guardian: An Army exercise between the two countries.

INS Sahyadri

• Ship Type: INS Sahyadri is an indigenously built Shivalik-class Guided Missile Stealth Frigate.

• Commissioning: Commissioned in 2012, it is designed and constructed in India, making it a symbol of India's growing defense capabilities.

• Capabilities:

  • The ship is armed with Barak-1 and Shtil-1 3S90M missiles, as well as BrahMos anti-ship missiles.

  • It also features anti-submarine rocket launchers.

• Role in Exercises: INS Sahyadri has actively participated in numerous operational deployments, both bilateral and multilateral exercises, showcasing its advanced stealth capabilities and multi-role versatility.

Conclusion

The JAIMEX-25 exercise exemplifies the growing strategic and operational partnership between India and Japan in the maritime sphere. With the INS Sahyadri taking part in key phases of the exercise, this collaboration is set to enhance both nations' naval interoperability and regional security efforts in the Indo-Pacific.