Sea Dragon 2025 Naval Exercise: Strengthening Anti-Submarine Warfare Capabilities

The Annual Sea Dragon 2025 naval exercise, a key multilateral maritime warfare drill, has commenced off the Guam coast in the western Pacific Ocean. This high-intensity anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise is hosted by the United States Navy’s 7th Fleet and will take place from March 4 to March 19, 2025.

The Indian Navy, along with the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN), is participating in this tactical interoperability exercise, aiming to enhance coordination in maritime security operations.

Historical Evolution and Participants of Sea Dragon

The Sea Dragon exercise has evolved into a crucial ASW training program, fostering military cooperation among key U.S. allies and partners.

Origins and Initial Participants

• The exercise originated in 2019 as a bilateral naval drill between the United States Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force.
• In 2020, the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN), and Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) joined the exercise.

Expansion and Inclusion of India

• The 2021, 2022, and 2023 editions witnessed the participation of the four Quad members—India, Australia, Japan, and the United States—along with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN).
• In 2024, the Royal Canadian Air Force was not invited, making it a Quad + South Korea exercise.

Participants of Sea Dragon 2025

In the 2025 edition, the United States Navy has invited the following key maritime forces:

• Indian Navy
• Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF)
• Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)
• Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN)

These nations will conduct joint anti-submarine warfare training to enhance interoperability and maritime surveillance capabilities.

Objectives and Significance of Sea Dragon 2025

The Sea Dragon exercise plays a crucial role in strengthening anti-submarine warfare strategies and reinforcing security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Primary Objectives

1. Enhancing Tactical Coordination: Participating navies aim to develop interoperability and refine submarine detection tactics.
2. Strengthening Maritime Security: The exercise ensures safe and secure navigation in the Indo-Pacific by improving defense preparedness.
3. Refining ASW Techniques: Training focuses on submarine tracking, reconnaissance missions, and real-time intelligence sharing.
4. Simulated Submarine Hunting: The final phase involves hunting a live U.S. Navy submarine, testing operational capabilities.
5. Promoting Military Cooperation: Strengthening ties among Quad nations and South Korea, reinforcing joint defense strategies.

Nature of the Sea Dragon Exercise

Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Focus

The Sea Dragon exercise is specifically designed as an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) drill, where each participating country deploys Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) to track enemy submarines.

• The Indian Navy has deployed its advanced P-8I Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing (United States).
• The exercise includes mock ASW drills, tactical discussions, and real-world submarine detection training.
• Each country’s pilots and aircrew exchange strategies and coordinate to improve submarine tracking and destruction techniques.

Grading System and the Dragon Belt Award

During the exercise, the performance of participating nations is assessed based on their submarine detection and tracking efficiency. The country with the highest points is awarded the prestigious Dragon Belt Award.

• Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) has won the Dragon Belt award since 2022, demonstrating superior anti-submarine capabilities.

Significance for India and the Indo-Pacific Region

The Sea Dragon 2025 exercise holds strategic importance for India and its Quad partners in countering emerging maritime threats.

For India

• Enhances Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare skills.
• Strengthens defense ties with the U.S., Australia, Japan, and South Korea.
• Prepares for future joint naval operations in the Indo-Pacific.

For the Indo-Pacific Region

• Ensures stability and freedom of navigation.
• Strengthens deterrence against potential maritime threats.
• Enhances regional defense collaboration among participating nations.

Summary of the News

Topic	Details
Why in News?	The Sea Dragon 2025 naval exercise, hosted by the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet, commenced off the coast of Guam in the western Pacific Ocean from March 4 to March 19, 2025. The exercise focuses on anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and includes participation from the Indian Navy.
Host Country	United States (7th Fleet)
Participating Countries	– Indian Navy – Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) – Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) – Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN)
Objective of Exercise	– Enhance Tactical Coordination among participating navies. – Strengthen Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Capabilities. – Improve Maritime Security in the Indo-Pacific region. – Simulated Hunting of a U.S. Navy Submarine. – Promote Military Cooperation among allied forces.
Indian Navy’s Role	The Indian Navy has deployed the P-8I Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing (U.S.), to participate in ASW drills.
Grading System	– Countries are graded based on their submarine detection and tracking efficiency. – The Dragon Belt Award is given to the nation with the highest performance. – Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) has won the award since 2022.
Historical Evolution	– Started in 2019 as a U.S.-Australia bilateral exercise. – Expanded in 2020 to include Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand. – India joined in 2021, along with Canada and South Korea. – In 2024, Canada was not invited, making it a Quad + South Korea exercise. – 2025 participants: U.S., India, Japan, Australia, and South Korea.
Significance for India	– Strengthens India’s ASW Capabilities. – Enhances Defense Relations with Quad nations and South Korea. – Improves India’s Preparedness for Maritime Security in the Indo-Pacific.
Impact on Indo-Pacific	– Ensures regional stability and free navigation. – Strengthens deterrence against maritime threats. – Reinforces international defense collaboration.