Current Context: Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise started on March 4, 2025, off Guam, hosted by the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet.

• Participants:S., India, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN).

Objectives:

• Enhance ASW capabilities and tactical coordination.
• Conduct submarine-hunting exercises.
• Strengthen Indo-Pacific maritime security.

Evolution:

• Initiated in 2019 as a U.S.-Australia drill.
• Expanded to include Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand (2020); India joined in 2021.
• Awards: Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has won the Dragon Belt Award since 2022.

Significance:

• For India: Boosts ASW skills and Quad cooperation.
• For Indo-Pacific: Ensures regional stability and freedom of navigation.