Australian warship to join four-nation naval exercise
An Australian warship is joining naval ships and aircraft from regional partners in a major military exercise off the island of Guam.
The Anzac-class frigate HMAS Warramunga is taking part in Exercise MALABAR this week along with naval forces from India, Japan and the US.
Vice-Admiral Michael Noonan, of the Royal Australian Navy, said the military drills will help strengthen the four nations' role in building Indo-Pacific security.
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The Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Warramunga is joining military exercises off the island of Guam in the Pacific. (Department of Defence) Supplied
"Australia is committed to working closely with our partners to address shared regional challenges, including in the maritime domain," Vice-Admiral Noonan said.
"Our forces' participation in Exercise MALABAR 2021 will enhance the region's maritime interoperability and is a key cooperative activity between us."
Guam lies 3000km south-east of Shanghai in China and is the closest military base to China.
There are two major bases on Guam: Andersen Air Force Base in the north and Naval Base Guam in the south.
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The US Air Force Andersen air base in Guam. (US Air Force) Supplied
The four-day military drills begin on Thursday and will involve forces from the four nations conducting live firings and anti-submarine warfare operations.
This is the second consecutive year that Australia has participated in Exercise MALABAR.
The US India, Japan and Australia are part of the Quad regional alliance established in response to China's growing economic and military strength.
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