JIMEX celebrated its tenth anniversary this year

The sixth Japan-India Maritime Exercise 2022 JIMEX 22, hosted by the Indian Navy last week saw some very complex manoeuvres including sophisticated anti-submarine warfare.

The exercise ended in the Bay of Bengal on Saturday with the two sides bidding each other farewell with a ceremonial steam past, India's Ministry of Defence said on Sunday.

Delegations from the navies of both nations took part in a variety of sophisticated anti-submarine warfare, weapon shooting, and air defence drills throughout the exercise.

According to the Ministry of Defence, JIMEX 22 witnessed some of the most complex exercises undertaken jointly by the two navies. Both sides engaged in advanced level anti-submarine warfare, weapon firings and Air Defence exercises.

"Shipborne helicopters, fighter aircraft and submarines also participated in the exercise. IN and JMSDF ships replenished each other at sea under the agreement on Reciprocal Provision for Supply and Services (RPSS)," the ministry added.

The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Ships, Izumo and Takanami, were led by Rear Adm Hirata Toshiyuki, Commander Escort Flotilla Four, whereas the Indian Naval Ships, Sahyadri, Kadmatt, and Kavaratti, were led by Rear Adm Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet.

Since its founding in 2012, JIMEX celebrated its tenth anniversary this year. The exercise strengthened the mutual understanding and interoperability between the two navies.