Singapore and India conclude 5-day maritime exercise

Straits Times

4 days ago

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The Republic of Singapore Navy's RSS Supreme and RSS Vigilance sailing in formation with the Indian Navy's INS Satpura during the sea phase of the Singapore-Indian Maritime Bilateral Exercise 2025.
SINGAPORE - The Singapore and Indian navies concluded a five-day bilateral exercise on Aug 1 that involved ships from both navies and aircraft from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).
The Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (Simbex) was held on shore at the RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base , and at sea in the southern reaches of the South China Sea , said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) on Aug 2 .
This was the 32nd edition of Simbex, which was first held in 1994 . It takes place at a significant moment as
Singapore and India mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Mindef added.
The exercise saw the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) deploy a Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme and a Victory-class missile corvette RSS Vigilance , which was supported by cargo ship MV Mentor .
A S-70B naval helicopter , two Fokker-50 maritime patrol aircraft and two F-15SG fighter jets from the RSAF were also involved.
The Indian Navy (IN) participated in the exercise with a Shivalik-class frigate INS Satpura .
During the exercise's shore phase, both navies participated in joint planning, simulator training, professional exchanges and sports.
They also shared best practices related to maritime air operations and compliant boarding procedures over subject matter expert exchanges, said Mindef.
At sea, the participating forces conducted complex warfare serials, including gunnery firing, air defence exercises and maritime security drills. This phase concluded with a sail-past by ships from both navies.
Mindef said the successful running of Simbex 2025 underscores the 'enduring partnership' between the IN and the RSN.
The annual exercise is one of the RSN's longest running bilateral maritime exercises, and India's longest continuous bilateral naval exercise with any other country.
Mindef said the complexity of Simbex has expanded over the years to incorporate elements of maritime security and exercise serials in the air, as well as surface and sub-surface domains.
Lieutenant-Colonel Aaron Koh , the commanding officer of RSS Supreme , said: 'Simbex is a testament to the long-standing bilateral ties between the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Indian Navy.
'Over the years, the exercise has served as a valuable platform for generations of sailors to hone operational competencies, enhance mutual understanding and build enduring people-to-people ties.'