Singapore, Indian Navies Hold SIMBEX Exercise

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Indian Navy (IN) are conducting the annual Singapore-Indian Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX), from 22 to 27 May 2014.

Hosted by the IN, the opening ceremony of the exercise held yesterday was co-officiated by the RSN’s Commanding Officer of 188 Squadron, Colonel (COL) Alan Goh and the IN’s Naval Component Commander, Andaman and Nicobar Command, Commodore Jatinder Singh in Port Blair.

The sea phase of SIMBEX 2014 will be held at the Andaman Sea and involves surface and air assets from both navies. The RSN is deploying a missile corvette (RSS Valour) and a patrol vessel (RSS Independence), while the IN is participating with two corvettes (INS Karmuk and INS Kuthar), a naval helicopter and a maritime patrol aircraft.

The exercise underscores the warm and long-standing defence ties between both countries. During the opening ceremony, COL Goh highlighted that SIMBEX 2014 would reinforce the strong relationship between the RSN and the IN.

“This exercise will bolster the strong bonds between our navies by enhancing interoperability and mutual understanding.” said COL Goh.

This year’s SIMBEX is the 21st instalment in the series of bilateral exercises conducted by the RSN and the IN since 1994. Over the years, SIMBEX has expanded in scope and has grown from a training-oriented anti-submarine exercise to include elements of maritime security, anti-air and anti-surface warfare. Apart from SIMBEX, the two navies also interact regularly through a range of activities, including professional exchange programmes, staff talks and courses.

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Press Release, May 23, 2014; Image: Singapore Navy