Kochi: The fifth Indo-US joint naval exercises, called "Malabar 2003", would begin on October 5 off Kochi.

The American ships participating in the exercise include their two frontline warships "USS Chosin" and "USS Fitzgerald", one Los Angeles class nuclear submarine USS Pasadena, two P3C-Orion Maritime patrol aircraft and a product tanker, a naval release said on October 5.

The Indian Navy is matching the US participation by fielding two guided missile frigates - INS Brahmaputra and INS Ganga - one submarine INS Shalki along with tanker INS Shakti and a variety of integral and shore-based aircrafts, it said.

The first Indo-US joint exercise was held in 1992 and was known by the name of 'Malabar', as these are held off the Malabar coast.

With the threat of terrorism looming large, both on land as well as at sea, the exercise would focus on visit, board, search and seizure operations. During this operation, personnel from warships board and search a suspected vessel at sea, the release said.

Anti-submarine warfare this year would get an added thrust with the participation of Indian naval submarine Shalki and nuclear submarine USS Pasadena, of the US Navy.

These joint exercises are of great significance as it would enhance inter-operability and help in understanding each other's operating philosophy, the release added.

PTI