Sea Defenders 2024, a joint maritime exercise between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG), is set to take place off the coast of Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The two-day exercise aims to enhance cooperation, interoperability, and mutual understanding between the two coast guards, focusing on maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Objectives of Sea Defenders 2024
The primary objectives of the Sea Defenders 2024 exercise are:
- Strengthening maritime cooperation between India and the United States
- Enhancing interoperability between the Indian and US Coast Guards
- Developing joint strategies to counter maritime security threats
- Improving coordination in search and rescue operations
- Promoting the exchange of best practices in maritime law enforcement
Key Focus Areas
Sea Defenders 2024 will focus on several critical aspects of maritime security, including:
- Maritime piracy and asymmetric threats
- Simulated drone attacks on commercial merchant traffic
- Joint maritime search and rescue operations
- Major firefighting and marine pollution response
- Counter-drug interdiction exercises
Participating Units
The exercise will witness the participation of various assets from both the Indian and US Coast Guards:
| Indian Coast Guard | United States Coast Guard |
| 2 Offshore Patrol Vessels | USCGC Bertholf (WMSL-750) |
| 1 Fast Patrol Vessel | 1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft |
| 1 Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft | 1 MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter |
| 1 Chetak Helicopter |
Simulated Scenarios
Sea Defenders 2024 will include a range of simulated scenarios to test the response capabilities of both coast guards:
- Simulated drone attacks on merchant vessels to assess countermeasures and coordination
- Joint search and rescue exercises involving the rescue of distressed mariners and medical evacuations
- Firefighting drills to enhance preparedness in responding to maritime emergencies
- Marine pollution response exercises to address oil spills and other environmental threats
- Counter-drug operations to intercept and apprehend simulated drug trafficking vessels
Significance of the Exercise
Sea Defenders 2024 holds great significance for both India and the United States:
- Highlights the growing partnership between the Indian and US Coast Guards
- Demonstrates a shared commitment to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region
- Enhances the ability to address common maritime challenges such as piracy, drug trafficking, and environmental threats
- Promotes regional stability and the rule of law in the maritime domain
- Reinforces the importance of joint training and exercises in building trust and interoperability
Indian Coast Guard: An Overview
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is a multi-mission organization responsible for safeguarding India’s maritime interests and enforcing maritime law. Key facts about the ICG:
- Established in 1978 as an independent Armed Force under the Ministry of Defence
- Operates a fleet of over 150 surface vessels and 60 aircraft
- Plays a crucial role in maritime search and rescue, marine environmental protection, and maritime law enforcement
- Works in close coordination with other maritime agencies and stakeholders
Sea Defenders 2024 exemplifies the growing cooperation between the Indian and United States Coast Guards in promoting maritime security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
- By engaging in joint exercises and simulated scenarios, both coast guards enhance their ability to address a wide range of maritime challenges effectively.
- As the maritime domain continues to evolve, such collaborations remain vital in safeguarding the shared interests of India and the United States, ensuring a secure and prosperous future for the region.
- Sea Defenders 2024 is part of a series of bilateral and multilateral exercises conducted by the Indian Coast Guard to strengthen maritime cooperation with partner nations.
- The exercise will also include tabletop exercises and planning sessions to discuss best practices and lessons learned in maritime security operations.
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where the exercise is being held, are strategically located in the Bay of Bengal and play a crucial role in India’s maritime security architecture.
- The participation of the USCGC Bertholf, a Legend-class maritime security cutter, underscores the United States’ commitment to maritime security cooperation with India.
- The exercise will also showcase the Indian Coast Guard’s growing capabilities in maritime domain awareness, search and rescue, and environmental response.