Singapore and Indian Navies Conclude Maritime Exercise

RSN Commanding Officer (CO) 185 Squadron COL Cheong Kwok Chien (right) exchanging handshakes with the Indian Navy CO INS Satpura CAPT Sudhil Gopalkrisha during SIMBEX 2013.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Indian Navy (IN) conducted the annual Singapore-Indian Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX), from 16 to 23 May 2013. Hosted by Singapore, SIMBEX 2013 is the 20th in the series of annual bilateral exercises held since 1994. The exercise comprised a shore phase held at Changi Naval Base and a sea phase in the South China Sea.

This year's SIMBEX saw the RSN deploying a frigate embarked with a naval helicopter, a missile corvette, a submarine and a maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), while the Republic of Singapore Air Force deployed fighter aircraft for the exercise. The IN participated in the exercise with a frigate, a corvette, a helicopter and an MPA.

The exercise underscores the warm and long-standing defence ties between both countries. During the exercise, Commanding Officer of 185 Squadron Colonel (COL) Cheong Kwok Chien highlighted that SIMBEX had provided valuable opportunities for personnel from the RSN and the IN to train and operate with each other. "Not only has the exercise enhanced the interoperability between both navies, it has also deepened the mutual understanding and strengthened friendship between us," said COL Cheong.

Over the years, SIMBEX has grown in tactical complexity and expanded beyond its traditional emphasis on anti-submarine warfare to incorporate increasing elements of anti-air and anti-surface warfare. The two navies also interact regularly through a range of activities, including professional exchange programmes, staff talks and courses.