U.S. Naval Special Warfare (NSW), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and Indian Navy Marine Commandos (MARCOS) completed a military-to-military engagement training during the special operations phase of MALABAR 24 on Oct. 14, 2024.

The engagement reinforced and expanded combined special operations forces interoperability with partner nation militaries in support of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

“We value the opportunity to train with our counterparts from India and Japan,” said an NSW operator. “It’s the continued collaboration like this that sharpens our tactics and strengthens our bond with our partners in the region.”

The training encompassed a variety of critical skills, including iterations on beach insertion, maritime interdiction, close-quarters combat, and tactical casualty care. Participants engaged in realistic scenarios culminating in a comprehensive capstone exercise featuring maritime interdiction operations and rehearsals for visit, board, search, and seizure techniques.

“After sharing procedures and establishing standards, our combined forces developed realistic special operations scenarios,” said another NSW operator. “This training improved our readiness and interoperability, preparing us to effectively plan and carry out modern missions.”

High-quality, realistic training is essential to maintaining and demonstrating the United States' commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. Our partners in the Japan Self-Defense Forces and Indian Navy Marine Commandos are incredibly capable allies, and we continue to train and exercise together to improve interoperability and strengthen our capabilities.

NSW is the nation's elite maritime special operations force, uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet's reach. Additionally, U.S. Special Operations Forces provide flexible responses to contingencies in the Indo-Pacific. Integral to this capability is a forward-deployed posture and continuous engagement with partner and ally forces, heightening mutual interoperability and regional expertise.

Malabar 24 is a combined field training exercise with the Royal Australian Navy, Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and U.S. Navy participants. The exercise is designed to support achievement of strategic objectives by strengthening partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and promoting interoperability in the conduct of complex warfighting operations.