Singapore and Indian Navies Conduct Annual Bilateral Maritime Exercise

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Indian Navy (IN) conducted the annual Singapore-Indian Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) from 31 October to 5 November 2016. Hosted by the IN, the land phase of SIMBEX 2016 was held at Visakhapatnam Naval Base in India, while the sea phase was held in the Bay of Bengal.

SIMBEX 2016 saw the two navies conducting a series of naval warfare serials, including air defence exercises, anti-submarine exercises and gunnery live-firings. The RSN deployed a stealth frigate (RSS Formidable) and a Republic of Singapore Air Force Fokker-50 maritime patrol aircraft, while the IN participated with a destroyer (INS Ranvijay) embarked with an Alouette III helicopter, a corvette (INS Kamorta), a Kilo-class submarine, two Hawk aircraft and two maritime patrol aircraft.

The exercise underscores the warm and long-standing defence ties between both countries. The RSN's Commanding Officer of 185 Squadron, Colonel (COL) Aaron Beng, who was in India to visit the Eastern Naval Command, highlighted that SIMBEX 2016 would reinforce the strong relationship between the RSN and the IN. "This exercise will strengthen the strong and long-standing bonds between our two navies, enhancing interoperability as well as mutual understanding and trust between our sailors," said COL Beng.

This year's SIMBEX is the 23rd instalment in the series of bilateral exercises conducted by the RSN and the IN since 1994. Over the years, SIMBEX has grown in scope and complexity, expanding beyond its traditional emphasis on anti-submarine warfare to incorporate elements of maritime security, anti-air and anti-surface warfare. Apart from SIMBEX, the two navies also interact regularly through a range of activities, including professional exchange programmes, staff talks and training courses.