Navies of India, Singapore start SIMBEX bilateral exercise in southern South China Sea

Indian, Singapore navies start SIMBEX in South China Sea. Indian Navy's Rajput-class destroyer, Kamorta-class corvette, P-8I aircraft joined by RSN's two Formidable-class frigets, S-70B naval helicopter, Victory-class missile corvette.

Navies of India and Singapore have begun a week-long bilateral maritime exercise, SIMBEX, in the southern parts of the South China Sea for which the two countries have deployed a submarine each.

Indian Navy's Rajput-class destroyer INS Ranvijay, Kamorta-class corvette INS Kavaratti, and a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft are taking part in the three-decade-old annual exercise which began on Thursday.

Warships from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) taking part in the exercise include the two Formidable-class frigates RSS Stalwart and RSS Tenacious.

At the opening ceremony of the bilateral exercise, RSN's Fleet Commander Colonel (COL) Kwan Hon Chuong and India's Eastern Naval Command Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar unveiled the commemorative logo of its 30th edition.

COL Kwan highlighted the importance of the exercise in enhancing professionalism between the navies of the two countries.

"SIMBEX stands as a shining testament to the enduring partnership between the IN and RSN. Over the course of three decades, this exercise has evolved from its modest inception into a robust platform that not only strengthens our operational capabilities but also nurtures the bonds of friendship connecting our sailors," he said.

RSN's two warships will be accompanied by an S-70B naval helicopter and the Victory-class missile corvette RSS Valour, the Defence Ministry (Mindef) said in a statement.