The 31st edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) is set to take place from October 23 to 29 at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. The Republic of Singapore Navy Ship RSS Tenacious, equipped with an embarked helicopter, arrived in the port city today to participate in the exercise.
Originally launched as ‘Exercise Lion King’ in 1994, SIMBEX has evolved into a key bilateral maritime collaboration between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
The exercise will unfold in two distinct phases: the Harbour Phase from October 23 to 25, and the Sea Phase from October 28 to 29 in the Bay of Bengal. This year’s exercise aims to enhance the strategic partnership between India and Singapore, focusing on improving interoperability, maritime domain awareness, and cooperation to tackle common maritime challenges.
During the Harbour Phase, participants will engage in Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), cross-deck visits, sports activities, and pre-sail briefings. The Sea Phase will feature advanced naval drills, including live weapon firings, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training, anti-surface and anti-air operations, seamanship evolutions, and tactical manoeuvres.
The opening ceremony for SIMBEX 2024 will take place on October 24 aboard INS Shivalik, with attendance from units of the Eastern Fleet and the Singapore Navy, marking the official commencement of this important exercise.
