Singapore and Indian Navies Conclude Annual Maritime Bilateral Exercise

The Republic of Singapore Navy and Indian Navy sailing in formation during SIMBEX 2020.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Indian Navy (IN) conducted the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) from 23 to 25 November 2020. This year's SIMBEX was planned virtually without physical interaction and conducted in the Andaman Sea and Indian Ocean as an 'at-sea only' exercise.

The RSN participated in the exercise with two Formidable-class frigates RSS Intrepid and RSS Steadfast (embarked with an S-70B naval helicopter), and the Endurance-class landing ship tank RSS Endeavour. The IN participated with the Rajput-class destroyer INS Rana (embarked with a Chetak helicopter), Kamorta-class corvette INS Kamorta, Kora-class corvette INS Karmuk, Sindhughosh-class submarine INS Sindhuraj, and a P8I maritime patrol aircraft. During the exercise, the two navies executed gunnery firings, manoeuvring drills, communication exercises and advanced naval warfare serials, including anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare drills.

Commenting on the successful completion of the exercise, Commanding Officer of RSS Intrepid, Lieutenant Colonel Oh Zongbo said, "Despite not being able to meet face-to-face, we continued to drill in a wide range of naval warfare serials, such as anti-submarine operations that require close coordination between ships, helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft. The ability to execute these complex drills is a result of the good understanding and coordination that our navies have established over the years."

SIMBEX was incepted in 1994 and is one of the RSN's longest-running bilateral exercises. This year marks the 27th edition of the exercise, which underscores the strong and long-standing defence ties between both countries. Over the years, SIMBEX has grown in scope and complexity, expanding beyond conventional naval warfare to include elements of maritime security.

SIMBEX 2020 saw the participation of IN's submarine INS Sindhuraj where both navies drilled in Combined Anti-Submarine Exercises.

A naval helicopter departing from RSS Steadfast for CASEX.

RSN sailor waving at sailors from INS Kamorta as SIMBEX 2020 concludes.