Indian Navy conducts Naval Exercise JIMEX 20 with Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force.

According to a press release published by the Indian Ministry of Defense on September 25, 2020, the Indian navy has started a bilateral naval military exercise code-named JIMEX 20 with Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) that takes place in the North Arabian Sea from 26 to 28 September 2020.
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Japanese Navy JS Kaga DDH-184 helicopters carrier and Indian Navy INS Chennai D65 Kolkata-class stealth guided missile destroyer at naval exercise JIMEX 20. (Picture source Indian Navy)

Local-made stealth destroyer Chennai, Teg Class stealth frigate Tarkash and Fleet Tanker Deepak, under the command of Rear Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, will represent the Indian Navy. The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force will be represented by JMSDF Ships Kaga, an Izumo Class Helicopter Destroyer and Ikazuchi, a Guided Missile Destroyer, led by Rear Admiral Konno Yasushige, Commander Escort Flotilla – 2 (CCF - 2). In addition to ships, P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, integral helicopters and fighter aircraft will also participate in the exercise.

The 4th edition of India - Japan Maritime bilateral exercise JIMEX, which is conducted biennially between the Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) will be held in North Arabian Sea from 26 to 28 September 2020. JIMEX series of exercises were started in January 2012 with special focus on maritime security cooperation. The last edition of JIMEX was conducted in October 2018 off Visakhapatnam, India.

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 defense 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 the 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.

The INS Chennai (D65) is the third ship of the Kolkata-class stealth guided missile destroyers of the Indian Navy. She was constructed at Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) located in Mumbai. The ship is armed with 4 × 8-cell VLS, for a total of 32; Barak 8 missiles (Range: 0.5 km (0.31 mi) to 90 km (56 mi) Anti-ship missiles, 2 × 8-cell UVLM for 16 BrahMos anti-ship missiles, 1 × 76 mm gun, 4 × AK-630 CIWS, 4 × Torpedo tubes and 2 × RBU-6000 anti-submarine rockets.

The INS Tarkash (F50) is the second Talwar-class frigate constructed for the Indian Navy. She is part of the second batch of Talwar-class frigates ordered by the Indian Navy. She was built at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. The ship is armed with 24 × Shtil-1 medium-range missiles, 8 × Igla-1E (SA-16) air defense missiles, 8 × VLS launched BrahMos supersonic, anti-ship cruise missiles, one 100 mm A-190E naval gun, two Kashtan CIWS (Clise-In Weapon Systems), four 533 mm torpedo tubes and one RBU-6000 (RPK-8) rocket launcher.

The Deepak class is a class of fleet replenishment tankers of the Indian Navy built by Fincantieri. Two ships were ordered and the first one joined the fleet on 21 January 2011, while the second joined on 1 October 2011. 

Japanese JS Ikazuchi DD-107 Murasame class destroyer at the front of the picture at JIMEX 20. (Picture source Indian navy)

The JS Kaga (DDH-184) is a helicopter carrier with a planned future conversion into an aircraft carrier. Officially classified as a multi-purpose operation destroyer, she is the second ship in the Izumo class of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

The JS Kaga can host up to 28 aircraft, or 14 larger aircraft. However, only 7 anti-submarine warfare helicopters and 2 search and rescue helicopters are planned for the initial aircraft complement. For other operations, 400 troops and 50 3.5-ton trucks (or equivalent equipment) can also be carried. The flight deck has five helicopter landing spots that allow simultaneous landings or take-offs. As a future aircraft carrier, the ship will be able to carry fixed-wing aircraft such as the Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey and Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. 

The Izumo-class multi-purpose destroyers or 22DDH are helicopter carriers in service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The ship carries up to 28 aircraft. However, only 7 ASW helicopters and 2 search and rescue (SAR) helicopters are planned for the initial aircraft complement. For other operations, 400 troops and 50 3.5 ton trucks (or equivalent equipment) can also be carried. The flight deck has 5 helicopter landing spots that allow simultaneous landings or take-offs. The ship is equipped with 2 Phalanx CIWS and 2 SeaRAM for its defense.

The JS Ikazuchi (DD-107) is a Murasame class destroyer that was laid in February 1998, launched in June 1999, and commissioned in March 2001. The Murasame Class destroyer is armed with an Mk48 VLS (vertical launching system) firing Sea Sparrow and Evolved Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missiles. The Mk41 VLS installed below the deck can fire RUM-139 VL ASROC (anti-submarine rockets).