INS Tarkash Joins IBSAMAR IX 2026 Naval Exercise

The ninth India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime (IBSAMAR) Exercise was hosted by South Africa at Simon’s Town in October 2026. The exercise began on 8 October, with a harbour phase from 8 to 14 October and a sea phase scheduled from 15 to 21 October. The exercise was reported to have concluded on 20 October.

Multilateral Maritime Exercises

IBSAMAR is a biennial naval exercise conducted since 2008 under the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum. It brings together the navies of India, Brazil and South Africa for maritime training and professional exchanges. The stated objectives of the ninth edition included improving interoperability, operational coordination and mutual understanding among the participating navies. The Indian Navy deployed the guided-missile stealth frigate INS Tarkash, which carried an integral Chetak helicopter. Brazil participated with BNS Barroso and its integral Lynx helicopter. The South African Navy deployed SAS Amatola, two Warrior-class inshore patrol vessels—SAS King Sekhukhune I and SAS Adam Kok III—and the Type 209 submarine SAS Manthatisi. Gripen fighter aircraft from the South African Air Force also supported the exercise.

Maritime Warfare and Search-and-Rescue Training

The sea phase included surface warfare, anti-air firings, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) tracking, tactical air evolutions, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) drills, anti-piracy simulations and search-and-rescue (SAR) procedures. Participating forces also conducted sub-surface combat serials and coordinated ASW tracking against SAS Manthatisi. ASW involves detecting, tracking and responding to submarines. VBSS is a procedure for visiting, boarding, searching and, where authorised, securing a vessel. SAR operations coordinate the search for and assistance to people in distress.

IBSA Naval Cooperation

The harbour phase included professional exchanges, cross-deck personnel exchanges, emergency damage-control activities and firefighting workshops. The theme of IBSAMAR IX was “Stronger Together Towards a Shared Future in the Maritime Domain.” The exercise combined harbour-based exchanges with sea-based naval manoeuvres.

Important Facts for Exams

:

• IBSAMAR is a biennial maritime exercise involving the navies of India, Brazil and South Africa.
• The exercise has been conducted since 2008 under the IBSA Dialogue Forum.
• SAS Manthatisi is a South African Type 209 submarine.
• INS Tarkash is an Indian guided-missile stealth frigate.

IBSA stands for India, Brazil and South Africa. Simon’s Town is a South African naval port and the venue of IBSAMAR IX.