INS Tarkash Joins IBSAMAR IX 2026 Naval Exercise

The ninth edition of the India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime (IBSAMAR IX) Exercise began in Simon’s Town, Western Cape, South Africa, in October 2026. INS Tarkash, an Indian Navy guided-missile stealth frigate, arrived there on 11 October to take part. The exercise is hosted by South Africa, with India as the lead nation.

IBSAMAR IX and Maritime Cooperation

IBSAMAR is a trilateral naval exercise involving the Indian, Brazilian and South African navies. Its 2026 theme is “Stronger Together Towards a Shared Future in the Maritime Domain”. The exercise aims to strengthen maritime cooperation, improve interoperability and build mutual understanding among participating navies. The exercise officially began on 12 October 2026. Its scheduled end date is listed as either 21 or 22 October 2026. The activities focus on collective maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, a maritime zone connecting Africa, Asia and Australia.

Participating Ships and Naval Operations

INS Tarkash is participating with an integral Chetak helicopter. The Brazilian Navy’s BNS Barroso, carrying a Lynx helicopter, is also taking part. South African Navy vessels in the exercise include SAS Amatola, SAS King Sekhukhune I, SAS Adam Kok III and the submarine SAS Manthatisi. Training covers surface warfare, anti-air warfare and anti-submarine warfare, as well as naval air operations. Other activities include maritime interdiction, anti-piracy operations, search and rescue, damage control and firefighting. These activities involve coordination between ships, aircraft and crews during maritime operations.

INS Tarkash’s Deployment and Exercise Facts

Before reaching South Africa, INS Tarkash made a port call at Victoria, Seychelles, and departed Mombasa, Kenya, on 2 October 2026 during an overseas deployment. Simon’s Town, located in Western Cape on the coast of False Bay, is a South African naval base.

Important Facts for Exams

• IBSAMAR is a trilateral maritime exercise involving India, Brazil and South Africa.
• INS Tarkash is a guided-missile stealth frigate of the Indian Navy.
• The 2026 exercise includes surface, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare training.
• SAS Manthatisi is the submarine participating with the South African Navy.

INS Tarkash carries an integral Chetak helicopter for the exercise. The participating navies are conducting IBSAMAR IX in Simon’s Town, South Africa.