India-Japan Maritime bilateral exercise (JIMEX)

India-Japan Maritime bilateral exercise (JIMEX) is a maritime bilateral exercise held between Indian navy and Japan Navy since 2012 with special focus on maritime security cooperation. 

JIMEX is conducted biennially between the Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). 

Editions of JIMEX:

1) 1st Edition:

• The 1st edition of JIMEX was held in Jun 2012 in Japan.

2) 2nd edition:

• The second edition of JIMEX was conducted in December 2013 off Chennai.

3) 3rd Edition:

• The 3rd edition of JIMEX was held in Oct 2018 off Vishakhapatnam cost.

4) 4th edition:

• The fourth edition of India-Japan Maritime bilateral exercise (JIMEX) was help between Indian and Japan Navy in North Arabian Sea in Sep 2020.

JIMEX 20 (4th edition of JIMEX)

Naval cooperation between India and Japan has increased in scope and complexity over the years. Advanced level of operations and exercises planned during JIMEX-20 are indicative of the continued upswing in Indo-Japanese defence relations and continued efforts by both Governments to work closely for a more secure, open and inclusive global commons, in accordance with international regulations.

JIMEX 20 will showcase high degree of inter-operability and joint operational skills through conduct of a multitude of advanced exercises, across the 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.

JIMEX 20 is being conducted in a ‘non-contact at-sea-only format’, in view of COVID-19 restrictions.

Participation in JIMEX 20:

Indian Navy represented by:

• Indigenously built stealth destroyer Chennai, 
• Teg Class stealth frigate Tarkash, 
• Fleet Tanker Deepak, 

The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force will be represented by:

• JMSDF Ships Kaga, an Izumo Class Helicopter Destroyer 
• Ikazuchi, a Guided Missile Destroyer, 

In addition to ships, aircrafts participating in exercise include:

• P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, 
• integral helicopters 
• fighter aircraft 

References:

• PIB