The 33rd edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-2026), hosted by the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam, concluded on 26 October 2026, further strengthening longstanding maritime cooperation and operational engagement between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
As part of the bilateral engagement, Colonel Bertram Ang, Fleet Commander of the RSN, called on RAdm Vishal Bishnoi, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. The two exchanged professional views on strengthening maritime cooperation between the countries and discussed matters of mutual interest.
Exercise Conducted in Two Phases
SIMBEX-2026 was conducted in two phases: Harbour Phase and Sea Phase.
The Harbour Phase featured Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), cross-deck visits, professional interactions, sporting engagements and planning conferences. These activities facilitated the exchange of operational knowledge and enhanced mutual understanding.
The Sea Phase, conducted in the Bay of Bengal, involved Maritime Interdiction Operations, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Air Warfare and Anti-Surface Warfare drills, seamanship evolutions and cross-deck flying operations. These activities enhanced coordination and interoperability between the participating forces, according to a press release by the Ministry of Defence.
Indian Navy and RSN Deploy Warships, Aviation Assets
The exercise witnessed the participation of RSN ship RSS Supreme, a Formidable-class stealth frigate with an embarked SH-70B helicopter.
The Indian Navy was represented by the indigenously built stealth frigate INS Nilgiri, ASW corvette INS Kamorta and participating aviation assets, including P-8I and Dornier maritime patrol aircraft, Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers and MH-60R helicopters.
SIMBEX has served as an important platform for strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation, operational interoperability and professional engagement between India and Singapore.
The exercise also demonstrated the commitment of both nations to enhancing maritime security and promoting stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
-PIB inputs
