Indian Navy’s Strategic Presence in RIMPAC 2024

The Indian Navy has made a significant impact by participating in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2024. RIMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise, held in Hawaii with extensive global participation.

Recent Context

RIMPAC 2024 features over 150 aircraft, 40 surface ships, 3 submarines, personnel from 29 countries, and a total of more than 25,000 participants. This massive display of military cooperation takes place around the Hawaiian Islands and runs until August 1. The Indian Navy has sent the INS Shivalik, a modern multi-role stealth frigate, to this crucial exercise.

Deployment of INS Shivalik

INS Shivalik, a guided missile stealth frigate designed and built in India, demonstrates the Indian Navy’s technological prowess and versatility. Before reaching Pearl Harbor for RIMPAC 2024, the frigate had been deployed in strategic regions like the South China Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, covering a distance of 9000 nautical miles.

Exercise Phases and Activities

The exercise began with a harbor phase from June 27 to July 7, followed by a meticulously planned sea phase divided into three smaller phases. During these phases, participating naval forces engage in complex maritime activities, including operations involving an aircraft carrier battle group, submarines, maritime reconnaissance planes, remotely piloted surface ships, and amphibious force landings.

Goals and Importance of RIMPAC

Vice Admiral John Wade, Commander of the US 3rd Fleet and the RIMPAC 2024 Combined Task Force, highlighted the exercise’s dual goals: strengthening international relationships and enhancing interoperability among allied forces. The main objective is to improve maritime operational skills, contributing to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, aligning with this year’s RIMPAC theme, “Partners: Integrated and Prepared.”

Background of Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC)

• Largest Maritime Warfare Exercise: RIMPAC, initiated in 1971 and led by the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet, is the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise, held biennially in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.
• Extensive International Participation: Initially involving five nations, RIMPAC now includes participants from 26 countries, including non-NATO members like China and India, enhancing maritime relations and stability across the Pacific Rim.
• Diverse Activities and Innovation: The exercise includes gunnery, missile, anti-submarine, and air defense exercises, along with humanitarian and counter-piracy operations. RIMPAC also features a live innovation fair, showcasing and testing new technologies.

This comprehensive participation highlights the Indian Navy’s commitment to international cooperation and maritime security.