The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Indian Navy have successfully concluded their annual Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX), reinforcing their longstanding defence partnership and operational cooperation.
Held from Oct 21 to 26, the 33rd edition of SIMBEX comprised shore-based activities followed by maritime exercises in the Bay of Bengal, off Visakhapatnam on India’s eastern coast, according to the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).
The RSN deployed its Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme, while the Indian Navy participated with three vessels – Nilgiri-class frigate INS Nilgiri, Kamorta-class corvette INS Kamorta and Sindhughosh-class submarine INS Sindhukirti.
During the shore phase, personnel from both navies participated in joint operational planning, professional exchanges and sporting activities aimed at strengthening cooperation and camaraderie.
Specialist discussions covered unmanned systems operations, submarine rescue and maritime air operations, allowing personnel to exchange operational experiences and best practices.
The sea phase featured advanced warfare drills, including live gunnery firing, air defence exercises, and anti-submarine operations.
These activities were designed to sharpen combat readiness, strengthen coordination and improve interoperability between the two navies.
The exercise concluded with a ceremonial sail-past involving the participating warships.
RSN Fleet Commander Colonel Bertram Ang described SIMBEX as a testament to the enduring and evolving defence relationship between Singapore and India.
“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,” he said.
He encouraged participants to build new relationships that would further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
First conducted in 1994, SIMBEX is among Singapore’s longest-running bilateral maritime exercises.
Over three decades, it has evolved to incorporate increasingly complex maritime security operations and multidimensional warfare drills.
Beyond the annual exercise, both navies maintain close engagement through regular professional exchanges, port visits and training programmes, reflecting the strength of Singapore-India defence relations.
