Australia's HMAS Sirius tanker passes by the Philippines' BRP Emilio Jacinto ship during an exercise in Sulu Sea. (Photo: Australian Defence Ministry) |
Payne said the exercises are part of a long-standing cooperation program between the Australian Navy and other navies in the Indo-Pacific region.
Indian newspaper Hindustan Times reported that the Quad countries – the US, Japan, India, and Australia – will take part in the joint naval exercise from April 4 to 7. Guided-missile destroyers, submarines, and reconnaissance aircrafts will take part.