Japanese warship at MALABAR 2015 - October 12-19, 2015.

JDS Fuyuzuki, the most modern of the Akizuki Aegis style destroyers. It is attending the India-US-Japan Malabar 2015 naval exercise. 

The annual Malabar naval exercise ("MALABAR 2015") from October 12 to 19 this year, includes Japan, the host India and regular attendee the US. Japan was just an observer in some previous Malabars. The main exercise scenario is the destruction of hostile submarines, warships and aircraft.

Japan’s and Australia’s participation, in Malabar 2007 (in late 2007) hosted by India, incurred China’s displeasure. On a civilian level Japan, Australia, India and the US contemplating informal discussions triggered a demarche (stern note) from China earlier in 2007. China was concerned about the creation of a China containment quadrilateral in 2007-2008 and is still concerned that one may emerge. Whether Australia participates in future Malabar exercises remains an issue.

Japan’s one participant in MALABAR 2015 is the brand new JDS Fuyuzuki (Youtube) an Akizuki Aegis type destroyer.

Despite the US Navy’s perpetual budgetary complaints the US is represented by a supercarrier, USS Theodore Roosevelt, Aegis cruiser USS Normandy, littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth, the Los Angeles class SSN USS City of Corpus Christi and a P-8A maritime patrol aircraft.

The Indian Navy is represented by a Rajput class destroyer, Shivalik and Brahmaputran class frigates, a fleet support ship, the Sindhughosh (Kilo) class SSK INS Sindhudhvaj and a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft.

Japanese destroyers that have Mk-41 VLS and submarines with Harpoon missile capable torpedo tubes are theoretically capable of accommodating Tomahawk land attack missiles. "Japan and the United States are exploring the possibility of Tokyo acquiring offensive weapons that would allow Japan to project power far beyond its borders, Japanese officials said, a move that would likely infuriate China…These could take various forms, such as submarine-fired cruise missiles similar to the U.S. Tomahawk."

Please connect with Submarine Matter's HMAS Sheean's visit to India and Malaysia - broader quadrilateral soundings, September 29, 2015.

Pete