Singapore and Indian naval forces conducted advanced warfare drills to improve operational capabilities and maritime interoperability.
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Indian Navy (IN) conducted the 33rd Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) from 21 to 26 October 2026, featuring joint planning, professional exchanges and advanced naval warfare drills in the Bay of Bengal off Visakhapatnam, India.
This year’s exercise comprised a shore phase followed by a sea phase. The RSN deployed the Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme, while the IN participated with the Nilgiri-class frigate INS Nilgiri, the Kamorta-class corvette INS Kamorta and the Sindhughosh-class submarine INS Sindhukirti.
During the shore phase, personnel from both navies took part in joint planning, professional exchanges and sports activities. Subject Matter Expert Exchanges enabled participants to share operational experiences and best practices in unmanned systems operations, submarine rescue and maritime air operations.
The sea phase featured advanced warfare serials, including gunnery firing, air defence exercises and anti-submarine exercises. These activities aimed to sharpen warfighting capabilities and improve interoperability between the two navies. The phase concluded with a sail-past involving the participating ships.
RSN Fleet Commander Colonel Bertram Ang said SIMBEX reflected the enduring and evolving defence relationship between Singapore and India. He highlighted the exercise’s role in developing operational competencies, improving mutual understanding and building lasting ties between naval personnel.
“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,” Ang said.
First held in 1994, SIMBEX has become one of the RSN’s longest-running bilateral maritime exercises. Over the years, the exercise has grown in complexity, incorporating maritime security operations and multidimensional warfare serials.
Beyond SIMBEX, the RSN and IN maintain regular engagements through professional exchanges, port calls and training courses. These activities support continued cooperation and interoperability between the two navies.
Source: Ministry of Defence
