United States Sri Lanka CARAT or MAREX-2023

Sri Lanka and the United States are to conduct week-long joint military exercises in January 2023 to prepare for disaster relief and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific, amid China’s increasing military manoeuvres in the strategic region. The exercise, named Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)/Marine Exercise (MAREX) Sri Lanka 2023, will involve participants from the Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Maldives National Defence Force.

What is CARAT/MAREX exercise?

Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (Exercise CARAT) is an annual exercise conducted by the United States Pacific Fleet with member nations of ASEAN in Southeast Asia. The exercise is designed to promote regional cooperation and build friendship as well as strengthen military skills. Currently, nine nations participate in the exercise: Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Cambodia and Bangladesh became the first new participants to join the exercise since 1995 in 2010. 

CARAT/MAREX Sri Lanka

The 2023 edition of CARAT/MAREX Sri Lanka is the fifth such bilateral exercise between Sri Lanka and the United States designed to promote regional security cooperation and strengthen maritime partnerships. This year’s exercise includes participants from Japan and Maldives. Training to occur in Colombo and Sri Lanka Navy bases in Trincomalee and Mullikullam.  The exercise to focus on traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges and include cultural, sports, and information exchanges.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2023

Category: International / World Current Affairs