World's Largest Maritime Exercise, RIMPAC 2024, Sets Sail in Hawaii

Tags: Defence

The 29th biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise commenced with an opening ceremony and press conference in Honolulu, Hawaii on June 27.

An Overview of the News

• It involves participation from 29 nations and over 25,000 personnel.

• Scheduled to take place from June 27 to August 1, activities will occur in and around the Hawaiian Islands.

• The exercise includes approximately 40 surface ships, 3 submarines, and over 150 aircraft.

• Additionally, it will feature 14 national land forces from various participating countries.

RIMPAC 2024 Theme: Partners: Integrated and Prepared

• Objective: Foster stronger relationships among participating nations.

• Focus: Enhance interoperability through joint exercises.

• Outcome: Increase operational proficiency.

• Impact: Promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

INS Shivalik at RIMPAC-24: Key Points

• Mission Deployment: INS Shivalik, an Indian multi-role stealth frigate, reaches Pearl Harbour for RIMPAC-24.

• Previous Exercises: Completed JIMEX 24 bilateral exercise with Japan before joining RIMPAC.

• Harbour Phase: Includes symposiums, exercise planning, sports competitions, and reciprocal visits till July 7, 2024.

• Sea Phase: Divided into three sub-phases focusing on integration exercises and large force tactical exercises.

• INS Shivalik: A 6000-tonnes guided missile stealth frigate, showcasing Indian Navy's global operational capability.

Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise

• RIMPAC is the world's largest international maritime warfare exercise.

• Biennially held in Honolulu, Hawaii during June and July (except in 2020, when it was in August).

• Managed by the US Navy's Indo-Pacific Command at Pearl Harbor.

• Involves coordination with US Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Hawaii National Guard.

• First held in 1971 with Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, and US.

• Regular participants: Australia, Canada, US, Chile, Colombia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Peru, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand.

• Royal New Zealand Navy rejoined in 2012 after an absence following the 1985 ANZUS nuclear ships dispute.