India and Singapore Conclude 33rd SIMBEX-2026 Maritime Exercise

The 33rd Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-2026) concluded on 26 October 2026 after six days of naval activity. Hosted by the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam, the exercise ran from 21 to 26 October, with its sea phase conducted in the Bay of Bengal. It involved ships, aircraft and personnel from the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

SIMBEX and Naval Cooperation

SIMBEX is a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the RSN. It began in 1994 as Exercise Lion King and was later renamed SIMBEX. The 2026 edition was divided into a Harbour Phase from 21 to 23 October and a Sea Phase from 24 to 26 October. The exercise’s stated objectives included professional exchanges, mutual understanding, operational interoperability and cooperation on common maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. On the sidelines, Colonel Bertram Ang, Fleet Commander of the RSN, and Rear Admiral Vishal Bishnoi, Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Fleet, exchanged professional views on maritime cooperation.

Participating Ships and Aircraft

The RSN deployed RSS Supreme, a Formidable-class stealth frigate, with an embarked SH-70B helicopter. The Indian Navy took part with INS Nilgiri, an indigenously built stealth frigate, and INS Kamorta, an anti-submarine warfare corvette. Indian Navy aviation assets included P-8I and Dornier maritime patrol aircraft, Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers and MH-60R helicopters. Maritime patrol aircraft conduct surveillance and reconnaissance over sea areas, while helicopters can operate from naval ships for a range of maritime missions.

Sea Phase Activities

The Sea Phase included anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and anti-air warfare drills. Activities also covered maritime interdiction operations, seamanship evolutions and tactical manoeuvres. These exercises involved coordinated operations between participating ships and aircraft in the Bay of Bengal.

Important Facts for Exams

• SIMBEX began in 1994 as Exercise Lion King.
• RSS Supreme belongs to the RSN’s Formidable class of frigates.
• INS Kamorta is an anti-submarine warfare corvette of the Indian Navy.
• The 2026 exercise’s Sea Phase took place in the Bay of Bengal.

The Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet is headquartered at Visakhapatnam. The Bay of Bengal forms part of the northeastern Indian Ocean.