The 33rd edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-2026) concluded on October 26 at Visakhapatnam. The Indian Navy hosted the exercise, which further strengthened its longstanding maritime cooperation with the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
As part of the engagement, Colonel Bertram Ang, Fleet Commander of the RSN, called on Rear Admiral Vishal Bishnoi, Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Fleet. They exchanged views on strengthening maritime cooperation between the two countries and discussed matters of mutual interest.
Two phases
SIMBEX-2026 was held in two phases.
- Harbour Phase: Activities included Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), cross-deck visits, professional interactions, sporting engagements and planning conferences. These allowed personnel of the two navies to share operational knowledge and build mutual understanding.
- Sea Phase: Held in the Bay of Bengal, it covered Maritime Interdiction Operations, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Air Warfare and Anti-Surface Warfare drills. The navies also carried out seamanship evolutions and cross-deck flying operations to improve coordination and interoperability.
Participating platforms
The RSN was represented by RSS Supreme, a Formidable-class stealth frigate with an embarked SH-70B helicopter.
The Indian Navy fielded:
- INS Nilgiri, an indigenously built stealth frigate
- INS Kamorta, an ASW corvette
- P-8I and Dornier maritime patrol aircraft
- Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers
- MH-60R helicopters
SIMBEX has become an important platform for bilateral maritime cooperation, operational interoperability and professional engagement between India and Singapore. The exercise also demonstrated both nations’ commitment to maritime security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
