Australia has joined India, Japan and the United States for Exercise Malabar, a major maritime activity designed to strengthen cooperation between regional partners in the Indo-Pacific.
The Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac-class frigate, HMAS Ballarat, is taking part in the exercise in the west Pacific training area from 10 to 18 November. A Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft will also participate, flying missions from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.
Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones AO, CSC, RAN, said evolving regional security challenges make joint training and partnerships increasingly vital.
“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,” he said.
He added that complex drills in anti-submarine warfare, air defence and replenishment at sea help build trust and readiness among the participating nations. “Through these exercises, we develop the interoperability and confidence needed to respond to our collective security challenges,” Vice Admiral Jones said.
Established in 1992 as a bilateral training exercise between India and the United States, Exercise Malabar has grown into one of the most important defence collaborations in the region. Australia hosted last year’s iteration.
Commander Dean Uren, Commanding Officer of HMAS Ballarat, said his crew was eager to train alongside some of the region’s most advanced and professional forces.
“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. Training alongside regional partners ensures our people and platforms are ready to respond to any challenge and deter coercion in the Indo-Pacific.”
HMAS Ballarat is equipped for air defence, surface and undersea warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction missions. Its systems can counter simultaneous threats from aircraft, surface vessels and submarines, underscoring the depth of Australia’s contribution to collective regional security.
Exercise Malabar runs from 10 to 18 November in the west Pacific training area.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
