Naval wargame does not target China, says US [NAVAL EXERCISE PICTURES!]

The Times of India ^ | 6 Sept., 2007 | The Times of India

[CarrotAndStick]

WASHINGTON: The ongoing naval wargame in the Bay of Bengal involving five nations does not "target" China but is designed to shape strategic choices by regional actors like India, a senior Pentagon official has said.

"This exercise does not target China. It is designed to shape strategic choices being made by all regional actors. Malabar is a sign of responsible stakeholders interested in promoting peace and security by a visible presence," said Brigadier General John Toolan, Principal Director for South and South East Asia at the US Department of Defence.

The four-day 'Malabar Exercise' started on September 4 with the participation of warships from five countries -- India, Australia, Japan, Singapore and the US.

"US and Indian cooperation does not seek to contain China. India, and the countries engaged in this naval exercise, would not stand for this," Toolan said at a meeting on Capitol Hill organised by the Indian American Security Leadership Council.

The senior official said the "unique" relationship between India and the US would not be defined by a treaty due to overlapping interests and shared value systems, and added that Washington would like to see its evolving ties with New Delhi transform into something it has with key allies like Britain, Australia and Japan.

"Our relationship with India is unique, and unlikely to be defined by a treaty alliance. The US is confident that, by virtue of our overlapping interests and shared value systems, the US and Indian strategic partnership will deepen organically, without requiring a treaty," Toolan said.

[CarrotAndStick]

070904-N-5242D-149 INDIAN OCEAN (Sept. 4, 2007) - A Sea Harrier takes off from the flight deck of Indian Navy aircraft carrier INS Viraat (R 22) during Malabar 2007. Malabar is a multilateral exercise that includes naval forces from India, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and the United States. It is designed to increase interoperability among the navies and to develop common procedures for maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dustin Q. Diaz (RELEASED)

 

070904-N-5242D-150 INDIAN OCEAN (Sept. 4, 2007) - A Sea Harrier takes off from the flight deck of Indian Navy aircraft carrier INS Viraat (R 22) during Malabar 2007. Malabar is a multilateral exercise that includes naval forces from India, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and the United States. It is designed to increase interoperability among the navies and to develop common procedures for maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dustin Q. Diaz (RELEASED)

 

070904-N-5242D-087 INDIAN OCEAN (Sept. 4, 2007) - Rear Adm. Robin Dhowan, commander-in-chief of the Indian Eastern Fleet, gives a brief on the Malabar exercise to officers from the U.S., Singaporean, Australian, Japanese and Indian navies aboard Indian Navy aircraft carrier INS Viraat (R 22). The officers cross-decked from their ships as part of Malabar 2007. Malabar is a multilateral exercise that includes naval forces from India, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and the United States. It is designed to increase interoperability among the navies and to develop common procedures for maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dustin Q. Diaz (RELEASED)

 

 

 

 

070904-N-5242D-140 INDIAN OCEAN (Sept. 4, 2007) - Sailors stationed aboard Indian Navy aircraft carrier INS Viraat (R 22) refuel a Sea Harrier after it returns from a mission during Malabar 2007. Malabar is a multilateral exercise that includes naval forces from India, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and the United States. It is designed to increase interoperability among the navies and to develop common procedures for maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dustin Q. Diaz (RELEASED)

 

 

070904-N-5148B-082 INDIAN OCEAN (Sept. 4, 2007) - Cmdr. Thomas Bourbeau gives a tour to members of the Indian Navy on the flight deck aboard nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 are deployed in the 7th Fleet area of operation, participating in Malabar 2007. Malabar is a multilateral exercise that includes naval forces from India, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and the United States. It is designed to increase interoperability among the navies and to develop common procedures for maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sarah E. Bitter (RELEASED)

 

070904-N-1332Y-136 INDIAN OCEAN (Sept. 4, 2007) - Rear Adm. Terry Blake, commander of Carrier Strike Group 11, discusses operations with Rear Adm. Robin Dhowan, commander-in-chief of the Indian Eastern Fleet, aboard Indian Navy aircraft carrier INS Viraat (R 22). Blake cross-decked from nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as part of Malabar 2007. Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 are deployed in the 7th Fleet area of operation, participating in Malabar 2007. Malabar is a multilateral exercise that includes naval forces from India, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and the United States. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication

 

070905-N-6106R-367 BAY OF BENGAL (Sept. 5, 2007) – Attack submarine USS Chicago (SSN 721) transits in formation during Malabar 2007, an exercise involving Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and ships of the navies of Australia, India, Japan, and the Republic of Singapore. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Stephen W. Rowe (RELEASED)

 

 

070905-N-1730J-179 INDIAN OCEAN (Sept. 5, 2007) - Indian Navy aircraft carrier INS Viraat (R 22) breaks formation during Malabar 2007, an exercise involving Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and ships of the navies of Australia, India, Japan, and the Republic of Singapore. Malabar 2007 is designed to increase interoperability among the navies and to develop common procedures for maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jason A. Johnston (RELEASED)

070905-N-5387K-012 BAY OF BENGAL (Sept. 5, 2007) - Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Yuudachi (DD 103) leads a formation of ships during Exercise Malabar 2007 in the Bay of Bengal. More than 20,000 naval personnel from the navies of Australia, India, Japan, the Republic of Singapore, and the United States are taking part in the exercise, designed to increase interoperability among the navies and to develop common procedures for maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Juan Antoine King (RELEASED)

 

 

 

070905-N-1730J-132 INDIAN OCEAN (Sept. 5, 2007) – Royal Australian Navy guided-missile frigate HMAS Adelaide (FFG 01), Indian Navy frigate INS Brahmaputra (F 31) and a Navy destroyer perform maneuvers during Malabar 2007, an exercise involving Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and ships of the navies of Australia, India, Japan, and the Republic of Singapore. Malabar 2007 is designed to increase interoperability among the navies and to develop common procedures for maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jason A. Johnston (RELEASED)

 

 

 

070905-N-1730J-163 INDIAN OCEAN (Sept. 5, 2007) - An Indian Navy frigate takes position during Malabar 2007, an exercise involving Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and ships of the navies of Australia, India, Japan, and the Republic of Singapore. Malabar 2007 is designed to increase interoperability among the navies and to develop common procedures for maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jason A. Johnston (RELEASED)

 

 

070905-N-1730J-066 INDIAN OCEAN (Sept. 5, 2007) –Indian Navy frigate INS Brahmaputra (F 31) takes its position during Malabar 2007, an exercise involving Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and ships of the navies of Australia, India, Japan, and the Republic of Singapore. Malabar 2007 is designed to increase interoperability among the navies and to develop common procedures for maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jason A. Johnston (RELEASED)

 

070905-N-1730J-129 INDIAN OCEAN (Sept. 5, 2007) - Republic of Singapore Navy frigate RSS Formidable (68) maneuvers into position during Malabar 2007, an exercise involving the Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and ships of the navies of Australia, India, Japan, and the Republic of Singapore. Malabar 2007 is designed to increase interoperability among the navies and to develop common procedures for maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jason A. Johnston (RELEASED)

 

 

 

070905-N-1730J-054 INDIAN OCEAN (Sept. 5, 2007) - Indian Navy aircraft carrier INS Viraat (R 22) participates in Exercise Malabar 2007 with Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and ships of the navies of Australia, India, Japan and the Republic of Singapore. The exercise is designed to increase interoperability among the navies and to develop common procedures for maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jason A. Johnston (RELEASED)

 

[steel_resolve]

US and Indian cooperation does not seek to contain China.

wink wink, nudge nudge.

[Rummyfan]

Good pix!

[CarrotAndStick]

070905-N-6106R-159 BAY OF BENGAL (Sept. 5, 2007) - USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) transits in formation for a joint photo exercise during exercise Malabar 07-2. Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group is taking part in exercise Malabar 07-2, a multinational exercise that includes naval forces from India, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and the United States. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Stephen W. Rowe (RELEASED)

 

070905-N-6106R-352 BAY OF BENGAL (Sept. 5, 2007) - USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) transits in formation for a joint photo exercise during exercise Malabar 07-2. Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group is taking part in exercise Malabar 07-2, a multinational exercise that includes naval forces from India, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and the United States. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Stephen W. Rowe (RELEASED)

 

070905-N-6106R-377 BAY OF BENGAL (Sept. 5, 2007) - Naval ships from India, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and the United States break away after a joint photo exercise during Exercise Malabar 07-2. Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups are taking part in the multinational exercise. The formation included Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers JS Yuudachi (DD 103) and JS Oonami (DD 111), Republic of Singapore Navy frigate RSS Formidable (68), Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Adelaide (FFG 01), Indian Navy destroyers INS Ranvijay (D 55) and INS Ranjit (D 53), Indian Navy frigate INS Brahmaputra (F 31), Indian Navy aircraft carrier INS Ranjit (R 22), guided-missile destroyers USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) and USS Higgins (DDG 76), aircraft carriers USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and USS Nimitz (CVN 68), and attack submarine USS Chicago (SSN 721). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Stephen W. Rowe (RELEASED)

 

070905-N-8591H-310 BAY OF BENGAL (Sept. 5, 2007) - Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 3rd Class Christopher Bast, from Temecula, Calif., watches as ships from India, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and the United States join for a group photograph in the Bay of Bengal during Exercise Malabar 07-2. Aircraft carriers USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and USS Nimitz (CVN 68) are taking part in the exercise with Indian Navy aircraft carrier INS Viraat (R 22). In addition to the three aircraft carriers, other ships taking part in the exercise are: Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers JS Yuudachi (DD 103) and JS Oonami (DD 111), Republic of Singapore Navy frigate RSS Formidable (68), Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Adelaide (FFG 01), Indian Navy destroyers INS Ranvijay (D 55) and INS Ranjit (D 53), Indian Navy frigate INS Brahmaputra (F 31), guided-missile destroyers USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) and USS Higgins (DDG 76), and attack submarine USS Chicago (SSN 721). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jarod Hodge (RELEASED)

 

[Badeye]

Thanks for posting this. I remember the IO from the spring of 1981.

[CarrotAndStick]

 

070903-N-5148B-034 BAY OF BENGAL (Sept. 3, 2007) - An MH-60S Seahawk, assigned to the “Blackjacks” of Helicopter Support Command Squadron (HSC) 21, transfers cargo during a vertical replenishment with Military Sealift Command fast-combat support ship USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7) and nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and embarked Carrier Air Wing 11 are deployed in the 7th Fleet. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sarah E. Bitter (RELEASED)

[r9etb]

wink wink, nudge nudge.

Nope ... and the additional presence of Singapore, Japan, and Australia, all in the interests of "interoperability," has no practical application if, say, well, somebody in the region decides to become more aggressive with their growing navy.....

[r9etb]

It would be really interesting to get a peek at what the USS Chicago was doing during the exercise, and with what results....

[CarrotAndStick]

070905-N-1730J-179 INDIAN OCEAN (Sept. 5, 2007) - Indian Navy aircraft carrier INS Viraat (R 22) breaks formation during Malabar 2007, an exercise involving Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and ships of the navies of Australia, India, Japan, and the Republic of Singapore. Malabar 2007 is designed to increase interoperability among the navies and to develop common procedures for maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jason A. Johnston (RELEASED)

 

 

070905-N-1730J-163 INDIAN OCEAN (Sept. 5, 2007) - An Indian Navy frigate takes position during Malabar 2007, an exercise involving Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and ships of the navies of Australia, India, Japan, and the Republic of Singapore. Malabar 2007 is designed to increase interoperability among the navies and to develop common procedures for maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jason A. Johnston (RELEASED)

 

 

070905-N-1730J-063 INDIAN OCEAN (Sept. 5, 2007) – Royal Australian Navy guided-missile frigate HMAS Adelaide (FFG 01) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Oonami (DD 111) perform maneuvers during Malabar 2007, an exercise involving Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and ships of the navies of Australia, India, Japan and the Republic of Singapore. The exercise is designed to increase interoperability among the navies and to develop common procedures for maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jason A. Johnston (RELEASED)

 

070905-N-1730J-054 INDIAN OCEAN (Sept. 5, 2007) - Indian Navy aircraft carrier INS Viraat (R 22) participates in Exercise Malabar 2007 with Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and ships of the navies of Australia, India, Japan and the Republic of Singapore. The exercise is designed to increase interoperability among the navies and to develop common procedures for maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jason A. Johnston (RELEASED)

 

[AppyPappy]

Oh snap. Where did they get this?

[gura]

Someone please fill me in on what actually happens during one of these exercises.

[CarrotAndStick]

These exercises help in co-ordinating with each other, when a sudden crisis happens, and requires the aid of multiple navies to thwart the crisis.

Sort-of like French, Hindi, Japanese and English speakers inventing a new common language, to converse and co-ordinate, at a later stage.

[magslinger]

SONOBUOY PING!

Post or FReepmail me if you wish to be enlisted in or discharged from the Navair Pinglist.
This is a medium volume pinglist.

[Jeff Head]

That's a frigate from Singapore. It's the Formidable Class and that is the namesake of the class, the RSS Formidable. They have six of those.

It's basically a very modernized La Fayette French design using a smaller superstructure and an enclosed mass for significant RCS reduction. Built in France, they are steel hulls and superstructure, which is also an improvement over the La Fayettes.

Uses an advanced Thales multi-function radar and combat system...not AEGIS or PAAMS PARS, but very good. Eight Haproon missiles for long range anti-surface, thirty-two Aster 15 AAW missiles from four, eight-cell VLS, torpedoes, a 76 mm dual purpose, rapid fire gun, and a S-70 helo for anti-submarine work.

Very good frigates, probably only surpassed by the Korean KDX-II and KDX-III AEGIS vessels and the Japanese Kongo and Atego AEGIS vessels...and maybe, just maybe the new Chinese Lanzhou class guided-missile destroyers with their integrated combat system and PARS...in all of Southeast Asia. But I bet these vessels would give the Chinese vessels a real run for their money...and the Chinese currently only have two of their new vessels while there are six of these.

[the gillman@blacklagoon.com]

...Naval wargame does not target China, says US...

They damned well should!

[gura]

The KDX-III ships are 100% badass.

[Jeff Head]

Yes they are...like a Burke on steroids. They have launched the 1st and it is in trials. Here's a web page on it on my AEGIS Vessels site:

South Korean Sejong Class DDG (KDX-III)

[sukhoi-30mki]

The Formidable class cannot be compared with the larger anti-air ships with the AEGIS system or the new Chinese Type-052C class.They are small patrol frigates with only a defensive anti-air capability with primarily an anti-sub role.Their complement is pretty interesing at only about 85 persons-far lower than any ship it’s size.The Korean KD-II class is better armed,but I wouldn’t say it’s more advanced.

[Jeff Head]

Well, IMHO, since these frigates are Singapores principle and largest surface combatants, they can be compared, particularly when you take into account their harpoons and S-70.

If there were trouble, or confrotnation, this is what Singapore would have to face other surface combatants and subs with, so comparing them is not out of the question.

The Aster 15 has a range out to 30 km, so although it is not nearly as long ranged as the SM or the HQ-9, it does have effective engagement envelopes down to sea skimmers which the HQ-9 is lacking. And the Formidable's combat systems are effective...at least the equal IMHO to those on the Lanzhou Type 52C DDGs of the PLAN.

Anyhow, all in all, I believe the Formidable to be, short of the major AEGIS class DDGs, one of the most advanced and capable vessels in the western Pacific, despite its smaller size and compliment. At 3200 tons it is a very effective and capable FFG, and would have to be taken into serious consideration by any nation contemplating any action that might require confronting them.

[2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten]

I wonder why there is no British Royal Navy involvement in these exercises. I’m sure there is a good reason, just curious. Seem to recall the Brits had something to do with both India and Singapore back in the day.

[Jeff Head]

Good question...perhaps their down size has reached a point where their other commitments made it impossible. But you would thinnk they could have gotten a destroyer or sub in on it...at least one.

[CarrotAndStick]

I don't know exactly, but here was another Indo-British exercise that was conducted a few weeks ago:

 

First IAF Su-30 MKI fighters land at British air force base

http://kuku.sawf.org/News/39326.aspx

Posted by vkthakur on Friday, June 29, 2007 (EST)





The arrival of the first Indian Air Force (IAF) Su-30 MKI (Flanker-H) air superiority fighters at the Royal Air Force (RAF) airbase Waddington on Thursday marks a historic chapter in the 75th year of the Indian Air Force.

 

RAF Waddington(UK), June 29 (ANI): The arrival of the first Indian Air Force (IAF) Su-30 MKI (Flanker-H) air superiority fighters at the Royal Air Force (RAF) airbase Waddington on Thursday marks a historic chapter in the 75th year of the Indian Air Force.

The fighters arrived in two separate waves trailing two IL-78 fuel-tankers in a formation of three each, all-along from Tanagra in Greece. The lead IL-78 MKI of the 'Titan' formation was lead by Group Captain K Raghavendra with the three Su-30 MKI's in tow that were captained by Group Captain Girish Saini, Team Leader of the IAF contingent, Wing Commander AK Bharti, Commanding Officer of the No. 30 Squadron and Wing Commander H Assudani. Wing Commander N Kharkar led the second wave 'Pluto' formation that landed 45 minutes later.

The Su-30 MKIs in the formation were lead by Wing Commander Asit Kumar, Squadron Leaders S.V. Munje and Nitin Jain.

Air Commodore P P Reddy, Air Attache at the Indian High Commission, London, was present to welcome the IAF contingent. Among the others present were Group Captain Andy Fryer, Station Commander of RAF Waddington, Wing Commander Jobling, Officer Commanding (OC)-Operations at the base and officers of the 'Air Command' Team.

A total of 18 fighter pilots and two flight navigators who will also double-up as Weapon Systems Operator (WSO) will be flying the Su-30 MKI's during the exercise.

At the airshow slated for the weekend at Waddington, the IAF Su-30 MKIs and IL-78 will participate. (ANI)

India-UK air exercise ends

http://kuku.sawf.org/News/39945.aspx

Posted by vkthakur on Friday, July 13, 2007 (EST)

The ten-day-long bilateral air exercise codenamed 'Exercise Indra-Dhanush' between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF) has come to an end with a scintillating display of air power stealth exhibited by Sukhoi-30 and F3 Tornadoes aircrafts.

                                                            

A Su-30K taking off during Cope India 2004

Waddington (UK)/New Delhi, July 13 (ANI): The ten-day-long bilateral air exercise codenamed 'Exercise Indradhanush' between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF) has come to an end with a scintillating display of air power stealth exhibited by Sukhoi-30 and F3 Tornadoes aircrafts.

India’s Sukhoi-30 aircrafts crisscrossed the Waddington sky along with Tornadoes, Typhoons and Sea Harriers of the Royal Navy.

Onlookers who gathered at the airbase witnessed the final sorties.

This is the first time that the Indian Air Force took part in an exercise in the Britain. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal FH Major and Commander-in-Chief (CinC) Air Command of the RAF, Air Chief Marshal Sir Clive Loader, were present on the occasion.

India’s Su-30 fighter jets matched the UK’s Typhoons jets in one to one during the mock war exercise, where the two sides were divided into Blue and Red forces.

"It was an excellent learning curve for our pilots, who will go back with a lot of experience" said Air Chief Marshal Major.

The visit by the IAF team also coincided with the Waddington International Air Show, where the IAF was awarded the best static display, and the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at Fairford. (ANI)

Talk back: Email your opinion on the subject for publication here to talkback@sawf.org

[2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten]

I was thinking that maybe the exercises came under the “Aegis” of some treaty organization that doesn’t have Britain as a member - but I’m sure there could be all sorts of alternative
explanations. Maybe their recent change in government?

[sukhoi-30mki]

Nope-India is not part of any alliance as such-neither is Japan(rather than it’s relations with the US).The Brits seem to have given up their interest in the South East Asian region & are focussing on the Med/Middle East.

[2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten]

Thanks - very interesting.

[rmlew]

The RSS Formidable, Singapore's newest frigate is a nice ship. It is the lead of a class of 6.

It's inclusion as well as that of the JSDNS Yudachi makes the claim that this is not aimed at China rather comical.