India, Singapore unleash naval firepower in South China Sea war drills
The Formidable-class frigate, RSS Supreme, and a Victory-class missile corvette, RSS Vigilance, supported by MV Mentor of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Shivalik-class frigate, INS Satpura, of the Indian Navy, took part in the high-intensity naval drills—Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX)—held from July 28 to August 1.
This was the 32nd edition of the exercise, which began in 1994.
An S70B naval helicopter, two Fokker-50 maritime patrol aircraft and two F-15SG fighter aircraft from the RSAF also took part in the annual exercise.
The exercise comprised a shore phase held at RSS Singapura-Changi Naval Base, followed by a sea phase held in the southern reaches of the South China Sea.
The sea phase involved ships from both navies and aircraft from RSAF holding complex warfare serials, including gunnery firing, air-defence exercises and maritime security drills, while joint planning, simulator training, professional exchanges and sports were part of the shore phase of the exercise.
ALSO READ: 'Made in Lucknow' BrahMos missiles will soon become backbone of India's military strength, assures PM
The successful conduct of SIMBEX 2025 underscores the enduring partnership between the Indian Navy and the RSN.
"SIMBEX is a testament to the long-standing bilateral ties between the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Indian Navy. Over the years, the exercise has served as a valuable platform for generations of sailors to hone operational competencies, enhance mutual understanding and build enduring people-to-people ties," Commanding Officer of RSS Supreme Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Koh said.
SIMBEX is one of the RSN's longest-running bilateral maritime exercises and the longest continuous bilateral naval exercise that India has had with any other country. Over the years, the complexity of SIMBEX has expanded to incorporate elements of maritime security and exercise serials in the air, surface and sub-surface domains.
Defence