31st India Singapore maritime SIMBEX exercise begins at Visakhapatnam

The 31st edition of the Singapore-Indian Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) commenced at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on 23 October 2024. The Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy is hosting the 2024 SIMBEX exercise at its base in Visakhapatnam. The exercise will be held in two phases, from 23 to 29 October 2024.

The opening ceremony of the 31st edition of SIMBEX24 was held onboard the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Shivalik on 24 October 2024.

India and Singapore, which enjoy close political and defence relationships, held their 6th India-Singapore Defence Ministerial Dialogue 2024 in New Delhi on 22 October 2024. It was attended by Singapore’s defence minister, Dr Ng Eng Hen.

The Indian Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Air Force are also conducting their 12th edition of the India-Singapore Joint Military Training exercise at the Kalaikunda Air Force Station in West Bengal from October -November 2024.

History of the SIMBEX 

The Singapore-Indian Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) started in 1994 as Exercise Lion King. It is the longest continuous bilateral maritime exercise conducted by the Indian Navy with any foreign Navy. Underlining the importance attached by the two countries in the defence field, the naval exercise was held even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The exercise is held annually and hosted alternately by the  Singapore Navy and the Indian Navy.

The 30th SIMBEX was hosted by the Singapore Navy from 21-28 September 2023 in Singapore.

Features of the 31st SIMBEX 2024

The 31st edition of the Simbex will be held in two phases: the Harbour and Sea phases.

The harbour phase will be held at the Indian Navy base in Visakhapatnam from 23-25 October 2024. This phase of the naval exercise aims to foster close ties and friendship bonds between the personnel of the two navies. During this phase, cultural and various sports activities are held.

The Sea Phase will be held in the Bay of Bengal on 28 to 29 October 2024. Both navies will use the exercise to sharpen their skills in naval warfare and interoperability. The Navies will use live weapons and conduct anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface and anti-air operations, seamanship evolutions, and various naval tactical manoeuvres.

The Singapore Navy has deployed its RSS Tenacious Naval ship with helicopters on board.

Read about the 6th India-Singapore Defence Ministerial Dialogue 2024

Read: 12th edition of India -Singapore Joint Military Training commence