In a landmark move to boost maritime cooperation, the Coast Guards of India, Japan, the US, and Australia launched the first-ever QUAD ‘At Sea Ship Observer Mission’, enhancing maritime security, interoperability, and domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Mission Name | QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission |
| Launched by | Coast Guards of India, Japan, US, and Australia |
| Ship Used | US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC Stratton) |
| Route | Sailing to Guam, Western Pacific |
| Personnel Involved | 2 officers from each country, including women officers |
| Vision Source | Wilmington Declaration, Quad Summit 2024 (USA) |
| Year of Launch | 2025 |
| Future Plan | Develop QUAD Coast Guard Handshake missions |
Significance of Mission
- First-of-its-kind coast guard-level cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
- Enhances interoperability, joint readiness, and operational coordination.
- Builds trust through cross-embarkation and joint maritime situational awareness.
- Reinforces commitment to a Free, Open, Inclusive, and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific.
- Strategic move amid China’s growing military presence in Indo-Pacific waters.
India’s Role and Strategic Relevance
- Aligned with India’s SAGAR Doctrine (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
- Supports India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
- Builds capacity in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief (HADR) and maritime law enforcement.
- Strengthens regional ties without direct military confrontation.
New Dimension of Maritime Cooperation
- Transitioning from Navy-to-Navy drills to Coast Guard-level interoperability.
- Expands on the legacy of the Malabar Naval Exercise with real-time, humanitarian, and surveillance-focused collaboration.
- Reinforces QUAD’s evolving nature from a diplomatic forum to a functional security grouping.
About Malabar Naval Exercise
- Started: 1992 (India & US); Quad format: Since 2020.
- Participating Countries: India, US, Japan, Australia.
- Focus Areas:
- Anti-submarine warfare
- Air defence
- Surface combat operations
- Cross-deck helicopter operations
- Recent Host: India (Bay of Bengal, 2024)
- Significant Platforms:
- India: INS Kolkata, INS Shivalik, P-8I
- US: USS Dewey, P-8A Poseidon
- Japan: JS Ariake (Akizuki-class)
- Australia: HMAS Stuart, MH-60R Seahawk
About USCGC Stratton
- Type: Legend-class National Security Cutter (US Coast Guard)
- Commissioned: 2012
- Length: ~418 feet
- Displacement: ~4,600 long tonnes
- Key Roles: Maritime security, drug interdiction, fisheries enforcement, environmental protection, search & rescue
Geopolitical Context
- Comes amid China’s assertive maritime activities and base-building in Indo-Pacific.
- Part of broader efforts to counter coercion and protect freedom of navigation in critical sea lanes.
- Responds to China’s regional expansion and grey-zone tactics.
Why It Matters – Strategic Objectives
- Strengthens QUAD’s practical cooperation.
- Addresses non-traditional maritime threats (piracy, IUU fishing, disaster relief).
- Fosters people-to-people ties through officer exchanges.
- Lays the foundation for future standard operating procedures (SOPs) among QUAD Coast Guards.