The 31st edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) is underway from October 23 to 29 at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) ship RSS Tenacious, along with its embarked helicopter, arrived in Visakhapatnam yesterday to participate in this significant exercise.
Originally launched as “Exercise Lion King” in 1994, SIMBEX has evolved into a cornerstone of maritime cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy. This year, the exercise focuses on deepening the strategic partnership between India and Singapore, aiming to enhance interoperability, bolster maritime domain awareness, and foster cooperation in addressing shared maritime challenges.
SIMBEX 2024 is structured into two distinct phases: the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase. The Harbour Phase, taking place from October 23 to 25 in Visakhapatnam, includes Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), cross-deck visits, sports events, and pre-sail briefings. The Sea Phase, scheduled for October 28 to 29 in the Bay of Bengal, will feature advanced naval drills, including live weapon firings, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training, anti-surface and anti-air operations, seamanship exercises, and tactical manoeuvres.
The opening ceremony for SIMBEX 2024 was held on Thursday aboard INS Shivalik. Units from the Eastern Fleet and representatives of the Republic of Singapore Navy attended, marking a pivotal moment in enhancing maritime collaboration between the two nations.
Team BharatShakti
