RIMPAC 2018: India's INS Sahyadri enters Pearl Harbour to take part in US-led 26 nation naval exercise

India's Naval ship INS Sahyadri entered Pearl Harbour to take part in the multi-nation exercise RIMPAC (Rim of Pacific) to be held in Hawaii. The Pentagon had earlier withdrawn invitation to the Chinese Navy over tensions in the South China Sea. The 26 nation naval drill will reportedly be attended by at least 25,000 military personnel. Some of the biggest ships from US, Japan, Singapore and Philippines have already arrived at Pearl Harbour.

The Philippine Navy is sending its largest ship along with a frigate and a helicopter with a 700-man contingent. The naval exercise touted to be the world's largest drill will begin on June 27th and conclude on August 5th. The exercise started in 1971 will witness the 26th edition under the theme “Capable, Adaptive, Partners”. Reports said over 1,000 Canadian soldiers will also be taking part in the exercise with the Canadian defence force sending frigates, ships and a patrol aircraft.

More than 200 aircrafts will be taking part in the drill along with several ships and submarines. The countries taking part in the mammoth exercise include India, US, UK, Canada, Singapore, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Philippines, the Netherlands, South Korea, Peru, New Zealand, Japan, Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, Brunei, Australia, Brazil, Chile, France, Colombia, Germany, Tonga and Thailand.

This is the first time Vietnam, Israel, Brazil and Sri Lanka will be taking part in RIMPAC. Also, the use of land-based warfare would be a first-time feature during the exercise. The exercise will be led by US commander Vice Adm. John D. Alexander of the US 3rd fleet.