Funakoshi hosts forces from Australia, India, Japan and U.S. for start of exercise Malabar 2026

U.S. Naval forces have joined forces from Australia Defense Force, Indian Navy, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force in Funakoshi to participate in an opening ceremony for Exercise Malabar 2026. Nov. 5, 2026.

The ceremony will be followed by scheduled at-shore and at-sea exercises occurring in the vicinity of Yokosuka.

“What began in 1992 as a modest bilateral event between the United States and India has matured over three decades into a premier, quadrilateral exercise,” said Vice Adm. Pat Hannifin, commander of U.S. 7th Fleet. “This growth builds our interoperability to collaboratively reinforce a Free and Open Indo-Pacific that benefits all nations.”

The exercise has since evolved in scope and complexity and now includes Japan and Australia. This 30th anniversary marks the sixth time that all four nations have participated in Malabar, advancing the collective planning, integration and employment of advanced warfare tactics across participating nations.

Malabar 2026 is a multinational field training exercise focused on integrating interoperability training in a multi-domain environment. This training builds real-world proficiency in detecting, locating, tracking, and engaging units at sea, in the air, and in cyberspace.

At-sea exercises are scheduled to include combined training in the surface, sub-surface, air and information domains.

U.S. Navy participation includes aP-8A Poseidonaircraft, San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26).

By enhancing the combined capabilities of the four participating nations, Malabar 2026 demonstrates a shared commitment to the rule of law and the freedom of navigation. This exercise supports a Free and Open Indo-Pacific and reinforces our collective resolve to maintain a stable, secure, and prosperous region and deter all aggressors.

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