Indian and Singaporean Navies Conclude 33rd Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-2026) in Visakhapatnam

Key facts

• The 33rd edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-2026) concluded on October 26, 2026, at Visakhapatnam.
• The exercise strengthened maritime cooperation and operational engagement between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
• The RSN participated with the Formidable-class stealth frigate RSS Supreme, which carried an SH-70B helicopter.
• The Indian Navy was represented by the indigenously built stealth frigate INS Nilgiri and the ASW corvette INS Kamorta.
• Indian Navy aviation assets included P-8I and Dornier maritime patrol aircraft, Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers, and MH-60R helicopters.
• SIMBEX-2026 was conducted in two phases: a Harbour Phase and a Sea Phase in the Bay of Bengal.
• The Sea Phase drills involved Maritime Interdiction Operations, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Air Warfare, and Anti-Surface Warfare.
• RSN Fleet Commander Colonel Bertram Ang met with RAdm Vishal Bishnoi, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, to discuss strengthening maritime cooperation.
• The exercise demonstrated the commitment of both nations to enhancing maritime security and promoting stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).