Indian Navy

Integrated Maritime Data Collection Underway in Philippine Exercise

The Indian Navy is conducting integrated maritime data collection exercises in Philippine waters, with the arrival of the INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish at Subic Bay.

September 22, 20266 min readMarine Insight

Integrated Maritime Data Collection Underway in Philippine Exercise — Image Credits: Wikipedia

Our take

The recent arrival of the INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish in Subic Bay, Philippines, for a multilateral maritime exercise signals a growing trend toward integrated data collection and collaborative security operations across the Indo-Pacific. This joint effort, involving India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, underscores the increasing complexity of maritime domain awareness and the need for shared resources and analytical capabilities. The exercise itself is a practical demonstration of how disparate naval forces can converge to enhance overall regional stability, an ambition increasingly vital given evolving geopolitical dynamics. This development builds upon recent naval modernization efforts, such as the [Cochin Shipyard Lays Keel For First Of Six Next-Gen Missile Vessels For Indian Navy], which highlight India’s commitment to strengthening its maritime capabilities and projecting influence in the region. The increasing sophistication of naval assets, coupled with the recognition of shared threats – from piracy and illegal fishing to potential territorial disputes – is driving this collaborative approach.

The significance of this exercise extends beyond immediate security concerns. It represents a concerted effort to establish a robust and interoperable integrated data ecosystem for the ocean. Historically, maritime data collection has been fragmented, with each nation operating largely in isolation. This new model prioritizes the seamless exchange of sensor data, intelligence reports, and operational assessments. This integrated approach is crucial for generating comprehensive “ocean intelligence,” allowing for more accurate risk assessment and proactive response measures. The recent presence of the Iranian Warship IRIS Lavan in India’s Kochi, [Iranian Warship IRIS Lavan Remains In India’s Kochi 6 Months After Seeking Refuge Amid U.S-Iran War], while a separate event, highlights the complexities of regional naval activity and the value of establishing clear protocols for data sharing and mutual support. Moreover, the ongoing development of naval assets across the region, as exemplified by Indonesia's acquisition of the Giuseppe Garibaldi and its transformation into the nation’s first aircraft carrier [Indonesia’s First Aircraft Carrier Reaches Jakarta Amid Debate Over Cost & Naval Ambitions], further underscores the evolving landscape of maritime power projection and the need for enhanced collaboration.

The technical aspects of integrated maritime data collection are as critical as the geopolitical considerations. Effective data fusion requires sophisticated calibration and validation protocols to ensure accuracy and reliability. Real-time data streams from various sensors – satellite imagery, sonar arrays, radar systems, and underwater acoustic monitors – must be harmonized and analyzed to generate actionable intelligence. This necessitates the development of standardized data formats and robust communication networks capable of handling massive data volumes. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms will be essential for identifying patterns, predicting future events, and automating decision-making processes. The long-term success of this initiative hinges on the establishment of rigorous quality control measures and continuous refinement of analytical models. The emphasis on longitudinal data collection, combined with peer-reviewed validation processes, will be key to building trust and ensuring the integrity of the information shared among participating nations.

Looking ahead, the success of this multilateral exercise will depend on its ability to evolve into a sustainable and scalable framework for ocean stewardship. While the initial focus is on security cooperation, the potential for expanding the scope of data collection to address broader environmental challenges – such as monitoring marine pollution, tracking climate indicators, and assessing the impact of ocean acidification – is significant. The challenge lies in balancing national security imperatives with the need for open and transparent data sharing to advance scientific understanding and promote sustainable ocean management. A crucial question to watch is whether this collaborative model can be extended to include other regional stakeholders, fostering a truly inclusive approach to ocean intelligence and ensuring the long-term health and resilience of the marine environment.

Two Indian Navy warships have arrived at Subic Bay in the Philippines to take part in a multilateral maritime security activity involving ASEAN countries and eight partner nations.

The INS Sahyadri, a Shivalik-class stealth multi-role frigate, and the INS Kulish, a Kora-class missile corvette, arrived at Subic Bay on Sunday, September 20, for the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security Joint Cooperation Activity.

Japan and the Philippines are co-hosting the activity. The programme will begin with engagements at Subic Bay before moving to operational activities at sea.

Ships and aircraft from India, the United States, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Brunei, New Zealand and the Philippines are taking part in the activity.

The Indian Navy said on Monday that the deployment is part of India’s Act East Policy and the MAHASAGAR vision. It said the activity will give the participating navies an opportunity to work with each other and develop a better understanding of common maritime challenges.

The U.S. Navy has deployed the USS Canberra, a littoral combat ship, along with a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

Japan is taking part with the helicopter destroyer JS Ise.

The Philippine Navy has deployed the frigate BRP Jose Rizal and landing platform dock BRP Tarlac.

Australia is represented by HMAS Perth, while Singapore has sent RSS Justice. Brunei is participating with KDB Darussalam.

New Zealand has deployed HMNZS Te Mana and the sustainment vessel HMNZS Aotearoa.

The ADMM-Plus activity brings together maritime forces from ASEAN member states and the eight Plus countries. Its purpose is to support professional and operational engagement, improve interoperability and build greater understanding between the participating forces.

India-Philippines maritime ties

India and the Philippines continue to strengthen their maritime relationship.

The two countries established a Strategic Partnership in August 2025, following an increase in bilateral engagement over the previous decade.

Philippine Ambassador to India Josel F Ignacio spoke about the relationship during the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Indian Council of World Affairs on September 15.

Ignacio said India and the Philippines had seen a significant increase in ties over the past decade. He said the relationship, which is formally 77 years old, had gained greater momentum during that period.

He described India as a partner of mutual and strategic trust, particularly in the maritime sector.

Subic Bay and the South China Sea

Subic Bay is on the western coast of Luzon and faces the South China Sea.

The area was once home to one of the largest overseas U.S. naval facilities. American forces left the facility in 1992, after which the former base was converted into a freeport.

Subic Bay has gained strategic importance as defence cooperation between the Philippines and the United States has become closer.

References: newindianexpress, indiandefensenews

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