Rupal Kalebere
The Japan-India Maritime Exercise 2023 (JIMEX 23) recently concluded its seventh edition, marking the 11th anniversary of this bilateral naval exercise. The exercise, hosted by the Indian Navy, took place from 5th to 10th July 2023 in Visakhapatnam and the Bay of Bengal. JIMEX 23 served as a platform for the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) and the Indian Navy to enhance their interoperability, exchange best practices, and reaffirm their shared commitment towards maritime security in the region.
The Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX) was initiated in 2012 as part of the efforts to deepen defence and strategic ties between the two countries. Over the years, JIMEX has evolved in scope and complexity, showcasing the growing partnership between the JMSDF and the Indian Navy. The exercise provides an opportunity for both navies to learn from each other’s best practices, conduct joint operations, and foster mutual cooperation in various domains of maritime warfare.
Objectives;
JIMEX 23 aimed to achieve several objectives, including:
Strengthening Interoperability: The exercise provided a platform for both navies to enhance their interoperability through joint exercises and operations. By conducting complex multi-discipline operations in surface, sub-surface, and air domains, the two navies worked towards achieving seamless coordination and integration during maritime operations.
Sharing Best Practices: JIMEX 23 facilitated the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the JMSDF and the Indian Navy. Both sides had the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences, tactics, and procedures, thereby improving their operational capabilities.
Building Mutual Trust: By engaging in professional, sports, and social interactions during the harbor phase of the exercise, JIMEX 23 aimed to foster mutual trust and understanding between the participating forces. These interactions played a vital role in strengthening the bilateral relationship and promoting a spirit of camaraderie.
Force Levels
JIMEX 23 witnessed the active participation of several naval assets from both Japan and India. The Indian Navy was represented by INS Delhi, India’s first indigenously built Guided Missile Destroyer, INS Kamorta, an indigenously designed and built Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette, fleet tanker INS Shakti, a submarine, maritime patrol aircraft P8I and Dornier, ship-borne helicopters, and fighter aircraft. On the other hand, the JMSDF was represented by the guided missile destroyer JS Samidare and its integral helicopters.
Exercise Phase Plan
The exercise spanned six days and comprised two phases.
Harbour Phase. The harbor phase, held in Visakhapatnam, involved professional discussions, sports, and social interactions between the participating forces. These interactions allowed personnel from both sides to understand each other’s operational practices, traditions, and cultures and establish a bonding that only sailors can create.
Sea Phase. The sea phase of JIMEX 23 witnessed joint operations and exercises in the surface, sub-surface, and air domains. The participating navies conducted advanced-level exercises to showcase their warfighting skills, test their operational procedures, and enhance their interoperability. The involvement of fighter aircraft, maritime patrol aircraft, and a submarine added complexity to the exercise, reflecting real-world scenarios and challenges.
JIMEX 23 successfully achieved its objectives and furthered the mutual cooperation between Japan and India. The exercise served as a platform for the participating navies to validate and enhance their operational procedures, ensuring compatibility and effectiveness during joint operations. The sharing of best practices and experiences allowed both sides to learn from each other, leading to the improvement of their respective maritime capabilities.
Furthermore, JIMEX 23 reinforced the commitment of Japan and India towards maintaining maritime security in the region and ably reflected the growing partnership and cooperation between the JMSDF and the Indian Navy. With these interactions, exercises and operations, the two navies improved their interoperability, exchanged best practices, and strengthened their mutual trust and understanding.
As bilateral defence ties continue to deepen, exercises like JIMEX will play a crucial role in fostering regional stability, promoting peace, and ensuring a fair equitable and rules-based international order.