Indian Navy’s Longest Continuous Naval Exercise SIMBEX Marks 30 Years Of Collaboration
In a significant display of maritime cooperation, Indian Naval Ships Ranvijay and Kavaratti, alongside the submarine INS Sindhukesari, have arrived in Singapore as part of the 30th Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX). SIMBEX, an annual naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), commenced in 1994 and holds the distinction of being the Indian Navy’s longest continuous naval exercise with any foreign counterpart.
SIMBEX-2023 is divided into two distinct phases: the Harbour Phase, scheduled from September 21 to 24 in Singapore, and the subsequent Sea Phase. This extensive drill also features the participation of the Long-Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I, in addition to the Indian naval vessels Ranvijay, Kavaratti, and Sindhukesari.
Indian Naval Ships #Ranvijay, #Kavaratti, submarine #Sindhukesari & Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft #P8I arrived at Singapore on #20Sep 23 to participate in the 30th edition of #Singapore🇸🇬 – #India🇮🇳 Maritime Bilateral Exercise #SIMBEX23.#BridgesofFriendship@mindefsg pic.twitter.com/IasxL6gYrk
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) September 20, 2023
Harbour Phase: Fostering Interoperability
During the Harbour Phase, both navies will engage in a wide range of professional interactions, cross-deck visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), and sports fixtures. These activities are strategically designed to foster greater interoperability and mutual understanding between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy.
One of the primary objectives of SIMBEX-2023 is to refine combat capabilities while strengthening the capacity to conduct multi-discipline operations in the maritime environment. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of both navies to enhancing their operational readiness and effectiveness.
Sea Phase: Advanced Drills and Exercises
The Sea Phase of SIMBEX 23 is set to feature a series of complex and advanced exercises. These include air defense exercises, gunnery firings, tactical maneuvers, anti-submarine exercises, and various other maritime operations. Such exercises serve to not only bolster the proficiency of both navies but also enhance their ability to operate seamlessly in challenging maritime scenarios.
The training encompasses a wide range of activities, including naval warfare tactics, anti-submarine warfare, gunnery firings, air defense exercises, tactical maneuvers, and maritime operations. These exercises are conducted both ashore and at sea, allowing the naval forces of both nations to hone their combat skills and coordination, ensuring they can effectively respond to a variety of maritime challenges and threats in the Indo-Pacific region.
The 30th Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) reaffirms the strong maritime ties between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy. Through this annual exercise, both nations continue to strengthen their operational capabilities, foster mutual cooperation, and contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
