Singapore and Indian Navies Conclude Annual Maritime Bilateral Exercise

Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Fleet Commander, Colonel Bertram Ang (right) and Chief Staff Officer (Operations), Headquarters Eastern Naval Command (HQENC) Rear Admiral Manoj K Jha, at the Opening Ceremony of SIMBEX 2026.

RSN personnel conducting a deck familiarisation brief for IN personnel aboard RSS Supreme.

RSN personnel aboard INS Kamorta as part of the cross ship visits.

RSN personnel aboard RSS Supreme waving off INS Nilgiri during the farewell sail-past.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Indian Navy (IN) conducted the annual Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) from 21 to 26 October 2026. This year’s exercise comprised a shore phase followed by a sea phase held in the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Visakhapatnam. The RSN deployed a Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme. The IN participated with a Nilgiri-class frigate INS Nilgiri, a Kamorta-class corvette INS Kamorta, and a Sindhughosh-class submarine INS Sindhukirti. 

During the shore phase, both navies conducted joint planning, professional exchanges and participated in sports. Through Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, personnel from both navies shared operational experiences and best practices in Unmanned Systems Operations, Submarine Rescue, and Maritime Air Operations. At sea, the participating forces conducted a series of advanced warfare serials including gunnery firing, air defence exercises and anti-submarine exercises, to sharpen warfighting capabilities and enhance interoperability. The sea phase concluded with a sail-past of participating ships.

The successful conduct of SIMBEX in 2026 underscores the enduring partnership between the IN and the RSN. RSN Fleet Commander, Colonel Bertram Ang said, “SIMBEX is a strong testament to the enduring and evolving defence relationship shared by the RSN and the IN. Each edition of SIMBEX provides a vital platform for our navies to further hone operational competencies, enhance mutual understanding, and forge enduring people to people ties.  These steadfast bonds serve as the firm foundation of our continued partnership and interoperability. I also encourage participants to build new relationships that will further strengthen these bonds going forward into the future.” 

First held in 1994, SIMBEX marks its 33rd edition this year, making it one of the RSN’s longest running bilateral maritime exercises. Over the years, SIMBEX has grown in complexity, to incorporate maritime security operations and multidimensional warfare serials.  Beyond SIMBEX, both navies maintain regular engagements through professional exchanges, port calls, and training courses, reflecting the close and enduring partnership between the two navies.