Article Posted on : - Sep 21, 2023

Indian Navy warships arrive at Singapore for 'SIMBEX' naval drill. (Photo: Indian MoD)

NEW DELHI (BNS): The navies of India and Singapore have kicked off the annual bilateral naval exercise 'SIMBEX' from today.

Indian Navy warships INS Ranvijay and INS Kavaratti arrived in Singapore to take part in the 30th edition of Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX).

Involving Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), 'SIMBEX' holds the distinction of being the longest continuous naval exercise that Indian Navy has with any other country, an official statement from Indian MoD said.

SIMBEX would be conducted in two phases. The ‘harbour phase’ would be carried out from September 21 - 24, followed by the ‘sea phase’.

The harbour phase will witness a wide range of professional interactions, cross-deck visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) and sports fixtures, aimed at enhancing interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies.

"The Sea Phase of SIMBEX 23 will involve complex and advanced air defence exercises, gunnery firings, tactical manoeuvres, anti-submarine exercises and other maritime operations. Units of both the navies will endeavour to hone their war-fighting skills while consolidating their capability to undertake multi-discipline operations jointly in the maritime domain," the statement said.

Besides guided missile destroyer INS Ranvijay and anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kavaratti, INS Sindhukesari - a Sindhughosh-class submarine of Indian Navy, would be taking part in the drill. Long-Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I is also participating in the exercise.