Exercise Cutlass Express is a significant multinational maritime exercise designed to enhance collaboration and interoperability among the United States, East African, and Western Indian Ocean nations. The primary objective is to address and counteract illegal maritime activities within the Western Indian Ocean region. The Indian Naval Ship Talwar is participating in this vital exercise, which takes place in Kenya between July 26 and August 6, 2021. The event includes both harbor and sea phases, with the former involving training sessions conducted by the Indian Navy Marine Commandos for personnel from various participating nations.
Overview of Exercise Cutlass Express
Exercise Cutlass Express is an annual event that brings together naval forces from across the globe to work on improving maritime security and safety. The exercise focuses on enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation among participating navies to effectively combat piracy, smuggling, and other illegal maritime activities. It is a part of the larger U.S. Africa Command’s efforts to promote regional stability and maritime security in the East African coastal regions and the Western Indian Ocean.
Participation of Indian Naval Ship Talwar
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Talwar, a frontline frigate of the Indian Navy, is actively engaged in Exercise Cutlass Express. The inclusion of INS Talwar highlights India’s commitment to securing maritime trade routes and underscores its role as a key player in regional maritime security. The ship’s participation also demonstrates the strong ties between India and the other nations involved in the exercise, fostering a spirit of cooperation and partnership in addressing common maritime challenges.
The Harbour Phase of the Exercise
The harbor phase of Exercise Cutlass Express took place from July 26 to July 28, 2021. During this phase, Indian Navy Marine Commandos, known as MARCOS, shared their expertise and conducted extensive training sessions. These sessions were tailored for personnel from the navies of Kenya, Djibouti, Mozambique, Cameroon, and the Coast Guard of Georgia. The training provided by the MARCOS covered various aspects of maritime security operations and aimed to enhance the skill sets of the participating units.
Objectives of Training During the Harbour Phase
The training imparted by the Indian Navy Marine Commandos during the harbour phase was multifaceted. It aimed to improve the tactical capabilities of the participating personnel, enabling them to undertake complex maritime security operations. The focus was on boarding operations, search and seizure techniques, and close-quarter combat, among other specialized maritime tasks. By conducting these sessions, the harbor phase sought to build a foundation of knowledge and skills that would be further applied and tested during the sea phase of the exercise.
Role of Multinational Exercises in Enhancing Maritime Security
Multinational exercises like Cutlass Express play a crucial role in enhancing maritime security by fostering international collaboration. They provide a platform for different navies to come together, share best practices, and develop a unified approach to tackling maritime threats. Such exercises also contribute to building trust and understanding among participating nations, which is essential for effective coordination during real-life maritime security challenges.
Impact of Exercise Cutlass Express on Regional Stability
The impact of Exercise Cutlass Express on regional stability is significant. By bringing together naval forces from the United States, East Africa, and the Western Indian Ocean, the exercise strengthens the collective ability to maintain secure sea lanes and combat illegal activities at sea. This collaborative effort not only enhances regional security but also promotes economic development by ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels through critical maritime corridors.
In summary, Exercise Cutlass Express serves as a vital initiative to advance maritime security cooperation among participating nations. With the Indian Naval Ship Talwar’s involvement in the 2021 iteration of the exercise, the event underscores the importance of joint efforts in maintaining the safety and security of international waters.
