Singapore and India conclude five-day maritime exercise
SINGAPORE: The Singapore and Indian navies concluded a five-day bilateral exercise on Friday (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 conducted ashore at the RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base and at sea in the southern reaches of the South China Sea, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said on Aug 2.
This was the 32nd edition of Simbex, which was first held in 1994. Mindef noted that the exercise took place at a significant moment, as Singapore and India mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
The exercise saw the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) deploy a Formidable-class frigate, RSS Supreme, and a Victory-class missile corvette, RSS Vigilance, supported by cargo ship MV Mentor.
An 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 participated in the exercise with the Shivalik-class frigate INS Satpura.
During the shore phase, both navies took part 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, Mindef said.
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 conduct of Simbex 2025 underscores the 'enduring partnership' between the Indian Navy 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, surface and sub-surface domains.
Lieutenant-Colonel Aaron Koh, the commanding officer of RSS Supreme, said: 'Simbex is a testament to the longstanding 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.'
With Singapore and India marking 60 years of official ties in 2025, both countries had also extended a bilateral agreement in October 2024 on joint military training between their armies for the next five years. - The Straits Times/ANN
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Singapore and India conclude five-day maritime exercise
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. - MINDEF SINGAPORE: The Singapore and Indian navies concluded a five-day bilateral exercise on Friday (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 conducted ashore at the RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base and at sea in the southern reaches of the South China Sea, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said on Aug 2. This was the 32nd edition of Simbex, which was first held in 1994. Mindef noted that the exercise took place at a significant moment, as Singapore and India mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties. The exercise saw the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) deploy a Formidable-class frigate, RSS Supreme, and a Victory-class missile corvette, RSS Vigilance, supported by cargo ship MV Mentor. An 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 participated in the exercise with the Shivalik-class frigate INS Satpura. During the shore phase, both navies took part 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, Mindef said. 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 conduct of Simbex 2025 underscores the 'enduring partnership' between the Indian Navy 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, surface and sub-surface domains. Lieutenant-Colonel Aaron Koh, the commanding officer of RSS Supreme, said: 'Simbex is a testament to the longstanding 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.' With Singapore and India marking 60 years of official ties in 2025, both countries had also extended a bilateral agreement in October 2024 on joint military training between their armies for the next five years. - The Straits Times/ANN
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