Indian Navy Joins World’s Largest Naval Exercise RIMPAC

The Indian Navy has taken a significant step in the global military landscape by participating in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2024. RIMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise, held in Hawaii, bringing together a vast array of military forces from around the world.

In 2024, RIMPAC featured over 150 planes, 40 surface ships, 3 submarines, and personnel from over 29 countries, totaling over 25,000 participants. The exercise, centered around the Hawaiian Islands, runs until August 1. The Indian Navy contributed by deploying the INS Shivalik, an advanced multi-role stealth frigate.

INS Shivalik’s Deployment

The INS Shivalik, an indigenous guided missile stealth frigate, showcases the Indian Navy's technical prowess and versatility. The frigate traveled 9,000 nautical miles to Pearl Harbor to participate in various RIMPAC 2024 activities, demonstrating the Indian Navy’s extensive operational reach. Prior to this, the INS Shivalik had been deployed to key areas such as the South China Sea and the North Pacific Ocean.

Phases of RIMPAC 2024

RIMPAC 2024 began with a harbor phase from June 27 to July 7, followed by a meticulously planned sea phase, further divided into three sub-phases. During these phases, participating naval forces will execute complex maritime operations involving an aircraft carrier battle group, submarines, maritime reconnaissance planes, remotely piloted surface ships, and amphibious force landing operations.

Objective and Significance

Vice Admiral John Wade, Commander of the US 3rd Fleet and the RIMPAC 2024 Combined Task Force, emphasized the exercise's twin goals: strengthening international ties and enhancing interoperability among allied forces. The main objective is to improve maritime operational skills to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. This aligns with the theme of RIMPAC 2024: “Partners: Integrated and Prepared.”

About Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC)

• Largest Maritime Warfare Exercise: Initiated in 1971 and led by the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet, RIMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise, held biennially in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.
• Extensive International Participation: Initially involving five nations, RIMPAC now includes participants from 26 countries, including non-NATO members like China and India, enhancing international maritime relations and stability across the Pacific Rim.
• Diverse Activities and Innovation: The exercise includes gunnery, missile, anti-submarine, and air defense exercises, along with humanitarian and counter-piracy operations. RIMPAC also features a live innovation fair for testing and demonstrating new technologies.

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What is the name of the exercise in which the Indian Navy is participating?

   • A) INDOPAC
   • B) RIMPAC
   • C) MARPAC
   • D) PACFLEET

   Answer: B) RIMPAC

2. Where is RIMPAC 2024 being held?

   • A) South China Sea
   • B) Indian Ocean
   • C) Hawaiian Islands
   • D) Mediterranean Sea

   Answer: C) Hawaiian Islands

3. What is the name of the Indian Navy frigate participating in RIMPAC 2024?

   • A) INS Vikrant
   • B) INS Shivalik
   • C) INS Arihant
   • D) INS Kolkata

   Answer: B) INS Shivalik

4. How many nautical miles did INS Shivalik travel to participate in RIMPAC 2024?

   • A) 5,000
   • B) 7,000
   • C) 9,000
   • D) 11,000

   Answer: C) 9,000

5. When does RIMPAC 2024 conclude?

   • A) July 15, 2024
   • B) July 30, 2024
   • C) August 1, 2024
   • D) August 15, 2024

   Answer: C) August 1, 2024

6. Who is the Commander of the US 3rd Fleet and the RIMPAC 2024 Combined Task Force?

   • A) Admiral Mike Gilday
   • B) Vice Admiral John Wade
   • C) Rear Admiral Carl Thomas
   • D) Admiral Philip Davidson

   Answer: B) Vice Admiral John Wade

7. What is the main objective of RIMPAC 2024?

   • A) Conducting humanitarian missions
   • B) Strengthening ties between countries and enhancing interoperability among allied forces
   • C) Testing new maritime technologies
   • D) Conducting anti-piracy operations

   Answer: B) Strengthening ties between countries and enhancing interoperability among allied forces

8. In what year was RIMPAC first initiated?

   • A) 1969
   • B) 1971
   • C) 1975
   • D) 1980

   Answer: B) 1971

9. How many countries participated in RIMPAC 2024?

   • A) 20
   • B) 25
   • C) 29
   • D) 35

   Answer: C) 29

10. What unique feature does RIMPAC include to showcase new technologies?

    • A) Technology Symposium
    • B) Live Innovation Fair
    • C) Maritime Expo
    • D) Naval Tech Summit

    Answer: B) Live Innovation Fair