India, Japan to begin bilateral naval exercise 'JIMEX-2021' from Wednesday

New Delhi: India and Japan will have the fifth edition of India –Japan Maritime Bilateral Exercise, JIMEX for three days starting Wednesday in the Arabian Sea.

These bilateral series of exercises commenced in January 2012 with special focus on maritime security cooperation. The last edition of JIMEX was conducted in September 2020.

Indigenously built Guided Missile Stealth Destroyer Kochi and Guided Missile Frigate Teg, under the command of Rear Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, will represent the Indian Navy.

The Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force will be represented by JMSDF



ships Kaga, an Izumo Class Helicopter Carrier and Murasame, a Guided Missile Destroyer, led by Rear Admiral IkeuchiIzuru, Commander Escort Flotila - 3  (CCF-3).

In addition to ships, P-8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, integral helicopters and MiG 29K fighter aircraft will also participate in the exercise, Navy officials said here on Wednesday.

JIMEX-21 aims to develop common understanding of operational procedures and enhance inter-operability through conduct of a multitude of advanced exercises, across the entire spectrum of maritime operations.