India's INS Tarkash Joins Trilateral IBSAMAR IX 2026 Maritime Exercise with Brazil and South Africa

Key facts

• Indian Naval Ship Tarkash, a frontline guided missile stealth frigate, is deployed to South Africa for the ninth edition of the India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime (IBSAMAR) Exercise 2026.
• IBSAMAR has been conducted biennially since 2008 under the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) framework to enhance interoperability and maritime cooperation among the three navies.
• The exercise covers surface, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare, naval air operations, maritime interdiction, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), anti-piracy operations, Search and Rescue, Damage Control and Firefighting.
• The theme of IBSAMAR IX is 'Stronger Together Towards a Shared Future in the Maritime Domain'.
• South Africa is participating with SAS Amatola, SAS King Sekhukhune I, SAS Adam Kok III and the submarine SAS Manthatisi; Brazil has deployed BNS Barroso with an integral Lynx helicopter, while India's INS Tarkash carries an integral Chetak helicopter.