Naval Exercises Research Articles

Introduction to special issue: ‘Foreign policy signaling in the Indo-Pacific: Responses to the US-China rivalry in a multipolar world’

The Indo-Pacific is a laboratory of foreign policy signaling. It has seen a plethora of novel diplomatic phrasings and formats emerging in the recent past – from the adoption of the Indo-Pacific terminology itself, to a series of strategy papers from regional as well as extra-regional governments to varying multilateral naval exercises. Playing host to the rivalry between the US and China that is set to define 21st century world politics, it is not surprising that both major Asian and external powers have intensified their foreign policy signaling towards and within the Indo-Pacific region. What is more puzzling is the simultaneity of often very public signals and their vagueness. In fact, a multipolar Asia replete with interdependencies from safe sea lanes to infrastructure investments and arms supplies is one that is full of ambiguous signaling – raising questions about the reasons for this as well as its consequences and effectiveness. The introduction of this special issue highlights this central feature of signalling in the Indo-Pacific. Moreover, with reference to the rich signalling literature it suggests an understanding of foreign policy signalling outside immediate crises as communication that is costly, public, and intentional for the contributing authors to work with.

Looking under the hood of joint naval exercises: motives and perceived benefits for Japan

Joint naval exercises (JNEs), an increasingly prominent sub-set of joint military exercises (JMEs) between states, vary across a range of dimensions. Yet insufficient attention has been given to comprehending their underlying purpose and the perceived advantages that states, along with their representatives, believe they gain from organizing or taking part in such exercises. This article delves into the objectives and perceived advantages of Japan’s JNEs in the Indo-Pacific to shed theoretical light on why states jointly exercise. With great power rivalry intensifying in the Indo-Pacific, the findings contribute to policy and issues related to the region’s emerging security dynamics.

Maritime Diplomacy and Regional Cooperation Mechanisms: Insights from the Black Sea and Bay of Bengal

This article conducts a comparative analysis of maritime diplomacy in the Black Sea and Bay of Bengal, focusing on the challenges and strategies of regional cooperation mechanisms like the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). It explores the unique geopolitical contexts of these maritime regions, addressing issues such as territorial disputes, resource competition, piracy and environmental concerns. The study examines the influence of external powers, including Russia, the EU, China and the USA, and their impact on regional dynamics. Utilizing a comparative analysis approach, the study examines the geopolitical dynamics, roles and effectiveness of BSEC and BIMSTEC in promoting economic integration, security collaboration and crisis response, along with the influence of external powers on these dynamics. The findings reveal the pivotal roles of both organizations in addressing maritime challenges, despite facing issues like economic disparity among members and geopolitical tensions. Key initiatives like joint naval exercises and security agreements have been effective in enhancing regional maritime security and stability. The study concludes by highlighting the need for strengthening organizational frameworks, enhancing transparency and integrating environmental considerations into maritime diplomacy, considering emerging trends like cybersecurity and the increasing role of non-traditional actors.

The impact of Pakistan-Turkey maritime cooperation on regional peace

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is not solely to shed light on the maritime cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey but also to analyse whether it has any impact on regional peace. Ergo, this research deals with a crucial question, what effect does Pakistan-Turkey maritime cooperation have on regional peace? In order to answer this question, this study uses the balance of power theory. Pakistan ought to balance its naval power with that of its rival India in order to accomplish peace and prosperity in the region. At present, the two countries are asymmetrical in terms of military power. Since 1947, they have fought four wars, which have seriously affected the peace of the entire region. To acquire regional peace and prosperity, Islamabad and Ankara have gone beyond religious, political, and cultural relations and turned to maritime cooperation. Turkey has become Pakistan's second-largest arms export partner, exporting modern submarines, frigates, destroyers, and other equipment over the past 20 years. Since 9/11, they have held numerous bilateral and multilateral naval exercises to deal with any form of maritime security threat.

Integration of naval exercises, a Final Proposal

Integration of naval exercises, a Final Proposal

THE EVOLUTION AND INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF THE NAVAL PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN INDONESIA AND ASEAN

This essay explores the evolution and institutionalization of the naval partnership between Indonesia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The background reveals the maritime challenges faced by these entities in the dynamic Asia-Pacific region, necessitating collaborative security efforts. The purpose of the study is to analyze how this naval relationship has developed over time and its impact on regional maritime stability. The design/methodology/approach encompasses historical analysis, policy examination, and case studies of joint naval exercises. The results demonstrate that Indonesia and ASEAN's naval partnership has evolved from historical precedents to structured cooperation, incorporating joint exercises, information sharing, and capacity building. This collaboration contributes to regional maritime security and exemplifies the collective approach to addressing common challenges. In conclusion, this essay underscores the significance of such partnerships in shaping maritime security dynamics and promoting stability in an increasingly interconnected world.

India’s relations with Saudi Arabia and UAE under the Modi Government

India is home to the third-largest Muslim population, any internal policy changes affect Muslim voters including bilateral relations with neighbours and Gulf countries. Despite, several criticisms, the Modi government gained some objections over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Population Register (NPR), and National Register of Citizens (NRC) issues at the national level. Nonetheless, the government has regained a second term in India. Modi's foreign policies not only made a new high in the bilateral relationship with Islamic countries in the Gulf, but amicability had changed significantly. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE in West Asia are rebuilding a new friendship era with India. After the decline of oil demand from the Western Countries, Gulf countries’ expectations have increased to re-draw their approach towards New Delhi. Retrospectively, it also provided several opportunities from both sides (India and Saudi Arabia-UAE) to boost their ties including a joint naval exercise between the UAE and India, an invitation by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to Sushma Swaraj, the inauguration of a Hindu temple in the UAE by Narendra Modi as well as the Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman visit to New Delhi. These are a few steps from both India and Saudi Arabia-UAE sides to re-energize their relationship. Therefore, this paper discusses how the Modi government despite numerous challenges able to enhance a new era of the bilateral relationship with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. This research extensively covers the aspects of the economic, military, and strategic relationships which include both side visits and MoU.

Dampak Pelaksanaan Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo Terhadap Diplomasi Maritim Indonesia

Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) is Indonesia's concrete effort to strengthen maritime diplomacy and the role of the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) in the context of international relations. MNEK has been implemented four times starting from 2014 to 2023. MNEK is an active diplomatic initiative to build bilateral and multilateral relations, increase preparedness, and strengthen cooperation in responding to natural and humanitarian disasters. In its series of preparations, MNEK involves planning stages, namely the Initial Planning Conference (IPC), Middle Planning Conference (MPC), and Final Planning Conference (FPC), and involves the participation of various countries united in efforts to overcome common challenges. The implementation of MNEK has had a positive impact on Indonesia's maritime diplomacy by building trust building, strengthening a positive image, and making Indonesia a key player in global maritime cooperation.

Unusual cetacean stranding events of Taiwan in 2004 and 2005

In early 2004 and in 2005, several unusual stranding events occurred in Taiwan during a period when large-scale naval exercises were conducted in and on nearby waters. Gross examination of the partial remains of two carcasses (a ginkgo-toothed beaked whale (Mesoplodon ginkgodens) and a pygmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata)) and an intact Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) revealed that the former two had internal injuries to structures associated with or related to acoustics or diving. The several unusual stranding events and the findings of the gross post mortem examination of the only specimens that were available for study were suggestive that nearby naval exercises may have contributed to or caused the death of at least one cetacean in this region and that species other than beaked whales may also be susceptible to such activities. With an increasing number of military exercises in this region, more attention to the impacts of such activities on cetaceans is needed.

France’s strategy in the Baltic region: military and political aspects

This article examines the current military-political strategy of France in the Baltic region. This area has not traditionally been among the main priorities of French diplomacy. However, under President Emmanuel Macron, France pays closer attention to the Baltic Sea due to the growing tension between Russia and the West. According to France’s key strategic documents, the government assesses the present-day situation mainly in a negative way, considering Russian actions as the main reason for the militarization of the region and expressing its readiness to show solidarity with NATO allies. On this basis, Paris is gradually increasing its military presence in the Baltic region, which now exceeds its contingents in the Middle East and the Sahel. For example, French forces still participate in the NATO air policing programme as well as in naval exercises, keeping the troops in Estonia within the Lynx mission. France’s further activity in the region includes enhanced cooperation with Sweden and Finland after they accede to NATO, an already planned increase in military contingent in the Baltic States in 2023, and the development of the European Political Community project. The author concludes that even if France’s presence in the Baltic does not yet pose a critical threat to Russian security, Paris’s policy is becoming more pro-Atlantic to the detriment of previous statements about ‘European sovereignty’ and dialogue with Russia.

Emerging Strategic Collaboration between the USA and India in the Indian Ocean: A Move Towards Chinese Containment

Background: To counterbalance Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean, the USA established a strategic alliance with India. Geographically, the majority of India's territory is located in the middle of the Indian Ocean's Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCS). Through these SLOCs, major commerce, trade, and exchange of goods occur. Strategically, the USA needed a partner that was capable of balancing China regionally. The location of India made it of pivotal significance for the USA. By the 1990s, the USA had started to conduct naval exercises with India. The USA also increased its naval forces and power projection capability to contain growing Chinese influence over the SLOCs of the Indian Ocean. The USA also provided India with the latest technology and training for increasing the capability of the Indian navy. Aim of the Study: study aim to find out how does the USA balancing Chinese power in the Indian Ocean? What are the factors that are shaping the USA offshore balancing policy in the Indian Ocean? What is the response of India in the offshore balancing of the Indian Ocean? Methodology: methodology of this study includes interviews. First, the triangulation of the questionnaire was carried out, Secondly, purposive sampling was done to select the experts for the interview. A semi-structured interview was conducted. The data has been analyzed Using the content analysis method. Findings and Conclusion: The USA is still the only hegemon in the world. As a result, no major change has been brought due to the rise of China as one of the major powers in Asia. The interests of the USA and India converged with the announcement of the USA policy of rebalancing to Asia in 2011.

CHINA: THE STORY OF A MISSED OPPORTUNITY. HOW CHINA MANAGED TO DISREGARD THE SOUTH CHINA SEA RULING

On July 12, 2016 an international tribunal (registered with The Hague Permanent Court of Arbitration) ruled against China`s territorial claims in the South China Sea, arguing that the Chinese historic rights within the Nine Dash-Line map have no valid effect under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The tribunal’s decision came at a time when tensions in the South China Sea had reached a very high level amid increasing maritime incidents caused by China and the Chinese government’s construction of artificial islands in the open sea. What was supposed to be a major victory against China for the US-backed states (Vietnam, Philippines), turned out to be only a symbolic success for the Philippines. China not only rejected the sentence, but continued to conduct provocative naval exercises, harass other foreign ships and build artificial islands for military purposes. Using historical research and comparative analysis, this paper illustrates how China’s rejection of the ruling was facilitated by a number of legal, economic and political factors that have diminished international reactions and pressures on the Chinese government: the non-ratification of UNCLOS by the US, the lack of coercive mechanisms to enforce international rulings, the economic interdependence between China and other regional states and the precedents set by other major powers. Keywords: South China Sea, Permanent Court of Arbitration, UNCLOS, maritime claims, historic rights.

Russia Returns to the Indian Ocean: Exploring the Expanding Strategic Presence

Russia is a major global power and has global interests. In the last few years, Russia has been silently establishing itself as a key stakeholder in the geopolitics of the Indian Ocean Region where it has significant political, economic, military and strategic interests. These four drivers provide us a framework to understand Russia’s activities in the region. Russia has announced that it will establish a military base at Port Sudan in the Red Sea. The base marks the return of Russia to the Indian Ocean. Over the years, Russia has deepened strategic partnerships with key regional states, participated in anti-piracy operations and carried out regular naval exercises. It has been a vocal critic of the concept of the Indo-Pacific. For India, Russia’s growing engagement with the Indian Ocean Region is a complex phenomenon. India and Russia are strategic partners but have divergent views about China, Indo-Pacific and the Quad. It remains to be seen how the war in Ukraine will affect Russia’s presence in the Indian Ocean.

Efforts to advance underwater noise management in Canada: Introduction to the Marine Pollution Bulletin Special Issue

This introduction to a special issue on approaches to managing underwater noise in Canada provides a brief overview of recent efforts to better understand and reduce anthropogenic underwater noise. Recent programs have aimed to increase understanding of anthropogenic noise in the habitats of highly endangered whales and have supported management actions such as vessel slow downs. Technical workshops have advanced the development of quiet ship design and associated technologies. Collaborative research examined noise levels in the St. Lawrence Estuary and the Arctic Ocean. Efforts to better manage noise have gone beyond shipping: enhanced mitigation measures have been put in place for naval exercises near habitats used by southern resident killer whales, while other work has focused on the identification of appropriate metrics for measuring noise. To coordinate and advance these and other efforts, the Government of Canada is developing a national Ocean Noise Strategy.

Changes in the acoustic activity of beaked whales and sperm whales recorded during a naval training exercise off eastern Canada

Experimental research has shown that beaked whales exhibit strong avoidance reactions to naval active sonars used during antisubmarine warfare training exercises, including cessation of echolocation and foraging activity. Behavioural responses to sonar have also been linked to strandings and mortality. Much of the research on the responses of beaked whales and other cetaceans to naval active sonar has occurred on or near U.S. naval training ranges, and the impacts of sonar in other regions remain poorly understood, particularly as these impacts, including mortality, are likely to go unobserved in offshore areas. In September 2016 the multinational naval exercise ‘CUTLASS FURY 2016’ (CF16) was conducted off eastern Canada. We used passive acoustic recordings collected in the region to quantify the occurrence and characteristics of sonar signals, measure ambient noise levels, and assess changes in the acoustic activity of beaked and sperm whales. The number of hours per day with echolocation clicks from Cuvier’s beaked whales and sperm whales were significantly reduced during CF16, compared to the pre-exercise period in 2016 (sperm whales) and to control data from 2015 (both species). Clicks from an unidentified Mesoplodont beaked whale species, sporadically detected prior to CF16, were absent during the exercise and for 7 days afterward. These results suggest that beaked and sperm whales ceased foraging in the vicinity of CF16 and likely avoided the affected area. Such disturbance may have energetic, health, and fitness consequences.

Pakistan’s quest for balance in the context of the Indo-Pacific strategy

ABSTRACT This paper uses the balance of power theory to explain Pakistan’s quest for balance in the context of the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS). Although this strategy aims to achieve the goal of a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ and focuses on China’s rise in the Indo-Pacific region. However, it also has security implications for Pakistan. The question here is; how the Indo-Pacific Strategy affect Pakistan’s strategic behavior? We believe that the maritime security cooperation between the United States and India under the framework of IPS strengthens the relative capabilities of the Indian navy, creates a zero-sum situation for Pakistan, and undermines the balance of power that affects Islamabad's strategic behavior. If so, to what degree is Islamabad adopting balancing strategies to counterbalance the risk of Indian aggression or coercion? To what degree is Pakistan pursuing deeper security cooperation with Russia and China in the Indo-Pacific in pursuit of a more stable balance of power? It is pursuing a strategy of internal and external balance. Internally, it is focusing on modernizing the navy, purchasing advanced weapons, and developing strategies related to maritimes security. Externally, it is seeking deeper security cooperation with Russia and China, such as holding joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean, exchanging naval officials, and signing military cooperation and strategic partnerships to maintain the balance of power.

Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo: Enhancing Indonesia’s Multilateral Defence Diplomacy?

Defence diplomacy has gained attention in the past decades. Hence, Indonesia has also developed its defence diplomacy for achieving its strategic interests. In Indonesia’s defence diplomacy, bilateral forms have dominated the practice of joint exercises with its defence partners. However, under the Yudhoyono administration in 2014, Indonesia hosted its first multilateral joint exercise, the Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK), which aimed at facilitating multilateral engagement with greater international partners. This exercise was continued by the Widodo administration as a biannual event in the following years. Since this multilateral exercise has rarely been studied, this article attempts to qualitatively examine how this exercise has developed and contributed to Indonesia’s multilateral defence diplomacy. To support the analysis, this article relies on a combination of documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews, including with numerous participants of past MNEK exercises in 2014, 2016, and 2018.

The role of the United States in the South Pacific at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries - maintaining the sphere of influence by providing security to microstates?

Following two waves of decolonization in the Pacific (1962-1970 and 1974-1980), the situation of island states in this region have changed radically. Finally independent microstates have gained their legal international opportunity to decide on own internal and regional policy. Nonetheless, post-colonial relations in the region were largely influenced by the Pacific Ring powers, led by the United States, which consequently created a unique local system. Such struggle in order to uphold influence in the Pacific occurred in the post-war period initially between the USA and Japan. Two imperial approaches emerged from these international movements, which were implemented in the diplomacy of both countries: “New world order” and its Japanese response – “New regional order”. Government in Washington maintains close relations with states in Oceania by changing their formal names (free association, unincorporated and unorganized territory, unincorporated and organized territory, commonwealth within the USA). In addition to organizational or scientific activity, the most important element of American policy towards the states in Oceania is the regional security shaping. The military presence of the US troops, regular RIMPAC naval exercises, growing diplomatic and economic investments in the South Pacific islands consolidate the image of a just sheriff of the new world order, a defender of young democracies on the verge of poverty struggling with civilization problems.

Results from Developments in the Use of a Scanning Sonar to Support Diving Operations from a Rescue Ship

In recent years, widespread use of scanning sonars for acoustic imaging of the seabed surface can be observed. These types of sonars are mainly used with tripods or special booms, or are mounted onboard remotely operated or unmanned vehicles. Typical scanning sonar applications include search and recovery operations, imaging of underwater infrastructure, and scour monitoring. The use of these sonars is often limited to shallow waters. Diver teams or underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROV) are commonly used to inspect shipwrecks, port wharfs, and ship hulls. However, reduced underwater visibility, submerged debris, and extreme water depths can limit divers’ capabilities. In this paper, a novel, nonstandard technique for use of a scanning sonar is proposed. The new application for scanning sonar technology is a practical solution developed on the Polish Navy’s search and rescue ship “Lech.” To verify the effectiveness of the proposed technique, the author took part in four different studies carried out in the southeastern Baltic Sea. The tests were performed using the MS 1000 scanning sonar. The results demonstrate that the proposed technique has the potential to provide detailed sonar images of the seabed and underwater objects before the descent of divers. The divers get acquainted with the underwater situation, which undoubtedly increases the safety of the entire operation. Scanning sonars are unlikely to completely replace the work of divers but may reduce the number and duration of dives. The sonar use technique turned out to be useful when rescuing a crew of a submarine that crashed and settled on the sea bottom as part of a naval exercise. The sonar data obtained during four experimental tests performed in the Baltic Sea prove the validity, usefulness, and significance of the proposed technique, especially from the standpoint of safety of underwater work.

Co-occurrence of beaked whale strandings and naval sonar in the Mariana Islands, Western Pacific.

Mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS), used for antisubmarine warfare (ASW), has been associated with multiple beaked whale (BW) mass stranding events. Multinational naval ASW exercises have used MFAS offshore of the Mariana Archipelago semi-annually since 2006. We report BW and MFAS acoustic activity near the islands of Saipan and Tinian from March 2010 to November 2014. Signals from Cuvier's (Ziphius cavirostris) and Blainville's beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris), and a third unidentified BW species, were detected throughout the recording period. Both recorders documented MFAS on 21 August 2011 before two Cuvier's beaked whales stranded on 22–23 August 2011. We compared the history of known naval operations and BW strandings from the Mariana Archipelago to consider potential threats to BW populations. Eight BW stranding events between June 2006 and January 2019 each included one to three animals. Half of these strandings occurred during or within 6 days after naval activities, and this co-occurrence is highly significant. We highlight strandings of individual BWs can be associated with ASW, and emphasize the value of ongoing passive acoustic monitoring, especially for beaked whales that are difficult to visually detect at sea. We strongly recommend more visual monitoring efforts, at sea and along coastlines, for stranded cetaceans before, during and after naval exercises.