Singapore and Indian Navies Conclude Annual Maritime Bilateral Exercise

06 Agustus 2025

RSS Supreme-73 and RSS Vigilance-90 sailing in formation with INS Satpura F48 during SIMBEX’s sea phase (photos: Sing Mindef)

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Indian Navy (IN) conducted the annual Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) from 28 July to 1 August 2025. This year’s exercise comprised a shore phase held at RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base, followed by a sea phase held in the southern reaches of South China Sea. The sea phase involved ships from both navies, and aircraft from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

The RSN deployed a Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme and a Victory-class missile corvette RSS Vigilance, supported by MV Mentor. The IN participated with a Shivalik-class frigate INS Satpura. An S70B naval helicopter, two Fokker-50 maritime patrol aircraft and two F-15SG fighter aircraft from the RSAF also participated in the exercise.

INS Satputra F48 a Shivalik-class frigate (photo: Swarajyamag)

During the shore phase, both navies participated in joint planning, simulator training, professional exchanges and sports. At the Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, both navies shared best practices related to Maritime Air Operations and Compliant Boarding Procedures. At sea, the participating forces conducted complex warfare serials including gunnery firing, air defence exercises and maritime security drills. The sea phase concluded with a sail-past of participating ships.

Air defence exercises, Precision targeting with surface & aerial platforms (photos: Indian Navy)

The successful conduct of SIMBEX 2025 underscores the enduring partnership between the IN and the RSN. Commanding Officer of RSS Supreme, Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Koh said, “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."

First held in 1994, SIMBEX marks the 32nd edition of the exercise, making it one of the RSN’s longest running bilateral maritime exercise and the longest continuous bilateral naval exercise that India has had with any other country. This iteration of SIMBEX takes place at a significant time as both countries commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. 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. Apart from SIMBEX, the two navies also interact regularly through a range of activities, including professional exchanges, staff talks, and training courses. 

(Sing Mindef)