World’s Largest Maritime Drills Commence in an Increasingly Tense Asia Pacific

The Rim of the Pacific exercises involve over 25,000 personnel from 29 countries and will run until August.

Hawaii, United States – In a time of heightened tension and escalating competition between China and the United States and its allies, the US Pacific Fleet is currently conducting the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), known as the "world’s largest international maritime exercise," in Hawaii.

RIMPAC, held biennially, has assembled the armed forces of 29 countries this year for five weeks of training aimed at bolstering multilateral relations and readiness to support "a free and open Indo-Pacific."

Established in 1971 by Australia, Canada, and the US, this year’s drills commenced on June 27 and include military forces from South Korea, Japan, India, as well as nations in Southeast and South Asia, Latin America, and seven European countries.

Israel's involvement in its third RIMPAC has sparked protests from pro-Palestinian groups due to its conflicts, but the Israeli military will not have aircraft or ships in the exercise.

RIMPAC enables participating navies to enhance their interoperability for various operations globally, with over 25,000 personnel, 150 aircraft, 40 surface ships, and three submarines engaging in different training exercises.

According to a RIMPAC spokesperson, this year's focus will be on complex tactical operations, humanitarian relief efforts, and multi-domain warfare integration.

Preparing for a future war

The Royal Malaysian Navy Lekiu-class guided missile frigate KD Lekiu arrives in Hawaii. It has the number 30 on its bow.

China's previous participation in RIMPAC ended in 2016, and it was not invited to this year's event amidst rising tensions.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the pivotal role of the Asia Pacific in US security strategy during the Shangri-La Dialogue summit, underlining the need for a secure Asia for a secure US.