The Indian Navy’s pride, the indigenously designed and built guided missile stealth frigate INS Shivalik, has reached Pearl Harbour in Hawaii to participate in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, the largest naval exercise in the world. After completing JIMEX 24, a bilateral exercise with Japan, INS Shivalik sailed into Pearl Harbour on Thursday, showcasing the Indian Navy’s blue-water operational capabilities.
RIMPAC-24 is set to run over six weeks, involving around 29 countries and led by the US Navy. It aims to enhance interoperability and foster mutual trust among participating navies. The exercise features a comprehensive schedule, starting with the harbour phase which includes symposiums, planning discussions, sports competitions, and reciprocal deck visits from June 27 to July 7, 2024.
Following the initial phase, the sea phase of RIMPAC-24 will be divided into three sub-phases where ships will engage in both basic and advanced integration exercises. The exercise will culminate in a large force tactical theatre level exercise. Key highlights include participation from an Aircraft Carrier Battle Group, submarines, maritime reconnaissance aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, remotely piloted surface ships, and joint operations with special forces in amphibious force landing operations.
Participation in RIMPAC-24, nearly 9,000 nautical miles away from the Indian coast, underscores the Indian Navy’s readiness and capacity to operate globally. The INS Shivalik, a 6000-tonne frigate, represents India’s advanced naval engineering and commitment to securing maritime routes and enhancing international naval collaboration.
