Exercise SIMBEX:
The 31st edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) is scheduled from 23 to 29 Oct 2024, in the Eastern Naval Command at Visakhapatnam.
- It is an annual bilateral Naval exercisebetween the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
- It has been conducted since 1994.
- SIMBEX, which began as ‘Exercise Lion King’ in 1994, has since evolved into one of the most significant bilateral maritime collaborations between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
- It holds the distinction of being the longest continuous naval exercisethat the Indian Navy has conducted with any other country.
- The exercise will be conducted in two phases: the Harbour Phase at Visakhapatnam and the Sea Phase in the Bay of Bengal.
- This year’s edition aims to further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Singapore by enhancing interoperability, improving maritime domain awareness, and fostering cooperation to address common maritime challenges.
- The Harbour Phase will include Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), cross-deck visits, sports fixtures, and pre-sail briefings between personnel from both navies.
- The Sea Phase will witness advanced naval drills, including live weapon firings, anti- submarine warfare (ASW) training, anti-surface and anti-air operations, seamanship evolutions, and tactical manoeuvres.
