By Raju Vernekar
Mumbai, Oct 6:
The fifth edition of India – Japan Maritime Bilateral Exercise, JIMEX, between the Indian Navy (IN) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), will be held in the Arabian Sea from Wednesday to Friday.
JIMEX series of exercises commenced in January 2012 with a special focus on maritime security cooperation. The last edition of JIMEX was conducted in September 2020.
Indigenously built Guided Missile Stealth Destroyer “Kochi” and Guided Missile Frigate “Teg” under the command of Rear Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, will represent the Indian Navy.
The Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force will be represented by JMSDF ships “Kaga”, an Izumo Class Helicopter Carrier, and Murasame, a Guided Missile Destroyer, led by Rear Admiral IkeuchiIzuru, Commander Escort Flotilla – 3 (CCF-3). In addition to ships, P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, integral helicopters, and MiG 29K fighter aircraft will also participate in the exercise.
JIMEX-21 aims to develop a common understanding of operational procedures and enhance inter-operability through the conduct of a multitude of advanced exercises, across the entire spectrum of maritime operations. Multi-faceted tactical exercises involving weapon firings, cross-deck helicopter operations, and complex surface, anti-submarine, and air warfare drills will consolidate coordination developed by the two navies.
Naval cooperation between India and Japan has increased in scope and complexity over years. JIMEX-21 will further enhance the cooperation and confidence between the two navies and fortify the long-standing bond of friendship between the two countries, an official statement said.
Indian Navy Sailing Championship 2021
In another development the five-day-long Indian Navy Sailing Championship 2021 conducted at Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre(INWTC), Mumbai was concluded on Tuesday, with Western Naval Command winning the overall Championship.
A total of 63 personnel from three commands (Western Naval Command, Eastern Naval Command, and Southern Naval Command) participated in the championship. The championship was conducted in seven different classes of boats namely Laser (Standard), Laser (Radial), Laser Bahiya, Enterprise, Bic-Nova, 29er, and J-24.
A total of 49 races were conducted in four days with seven races for each of the seven categories. The concept of Team Racing and Match Racing in Enterprise and J 24 class of boats was reintroduced to facilitate wider participation and inculcate team spirit.
A sail parade of 75 IN personnel was also conducted off INWTC (Mbi) as part of commemorative activity towards Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
The Chief Guest, Rear Admiral Sanjeev Sharma, NM, CSO (Personnel & Administration) at HQWNC presented medals to the winners in each of the seven categories sailed. He complimented the Naval Yachtsmen and women for setting a high standard and displaying excellent sailing skills in the challenging monsoon conditions. The Overall Champions were Western Naval Command and Runner Up was Southern Naval Command.
