JDS Fuyuzuki, the most modern of the Akizuki Aegis style destroyers. It is attending the India-US-Japan Malabar 2015 naval exercise. Its Mk-41 Vertical Launching System is theoretically capable of accommodating Tomahawk land attack missiles.
The annual Malabar naval exercise ("MALABAR 2015") from October 12 to 19 this year, includes Japan, the host India and regular attendee the US. Japan was just an observer in some previous Malabars. The main exercise scenario is the destruction of hostile submarines, warships and aircraft.
Japan’s and Australia’s participation, in Malabar 2007 (in late 2007) hosted by India, incurred China’s displeasure. On a civilian level Japan, Australia, India and the US contemplating informal discussions triggered a demarche (stern note) from China earlier in 2007. China was concerned about the creation of a China containment quadrilateral in 2007-2008 and is still concerned that one may emerge.
Japan’s one participant in MALABAR 2015 is the brand new JDS Fuyuzuki (Youtube) an Akizuki Aegis type destroyer.
Despite the US Navy’s perpetual budgetary complaints the US is represented by a supercarrier, USS Theodore Roosevelt, Aegis cruiser USS Normandy, littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth, the Los Angeles class SSN USS City of Corpus Christi and a P-8A maritime patrol aircraft.
The Indian Navy is represented by a Rajput class destroyer, Shivalik and Brahmaputran class frigates, a fleet support ship, the Sindhughosh (Kilo) class SSK INS Sindhudhvaj and a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft.
Please connect with Submarine Matter'sHMAS Sheean's visit to India and Malaysia - broader quadrilateral soundings, September 29, 2015.
Pete
Pete