New Delhi, Sep 14: The sixth edition of the Japan India Maritime Exercise JIMEX hosted by the Indian Navy began in the Bay of Bengal on September 11, the Navy said on Tuesday. The Japanese ships are being led by Rear Admiral Hirata Toshiyuki, Commander Escort Flotilla Four. The Indian ships are led by Rear Admiral San- jay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Fleet.
The Indian ships welcomed the Japanese Izumo, a helicopter carrier, and Takanami, a guided missile destroyer, on their arrival in the Bay of Bengal. The Indian Navy is represented by three indigenously designed and built warships; Sahyadri, a multi-purpose stealth frigate, and anti-submarine warfare corvettes Kad- matt and Kavaratti.
Additionally, guided missile destroyer Ranvijay, fleet tanker Jyoti, offshore patrol vessel Sukanya, submarines, MIG 29-K fighter aircraft, long-range maritime patrol aircraft, and ship-borne helicopters are also participating in the exercise.JIMEX 22 involves two Phases- exercises at sea and a harbor phase at Visakhapatnam.