The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Indian Navy (IN) conducted the annual Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) in the South China Sea from 24 Mar to 2 Apr 2009.
The RSN participated in this year’s exercise with two missile corvettes, a frigate and a submarine. The IN deployed two destroyers, a corvette and an oil tanker. Maritime patrol aircraft from both countries provided air surveillance for the exercise, while fighter aircraft from the Republic of Singapore Air Force simulated aerial ‘attacks’.
SIMBEX started in 1994 with anti-submarine warfare exercises. Over the years, SIMBEX has grown in scope and complexity, and evolved to include advanced naval warfare exercises involving the air, surface and sub-surface dimensions. The RSN and the IN share longstanding bilateral relations.
Besides SIMBEX, both navies also interact professionally through regular exchange programmes, staff talks and courses.
