SIMBEX

THE CONTEXT: The 31st edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) will be held from 23 to 29 October 2024 at Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam.

EXPLANATION:

About SIMBEX:

• An annual bilateral Naval exercise between the Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is being conducted since 1994.
• It is the longest continuous naval exercise that Indian Navy conducts with any other country.
• It would enhance war-fighting skills and capability to undertake multi-discipline operations jointly in maritime domain.

Aim:

• The SITMEX series of exercises are conducted to enhance mutual interoperability and imbibing best practices between Indian Navy, Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Royal Thai Navy (RTN).

Significance of SIMBEX 2024:

• Enhanced Interoperability: Advanced training exercises, including anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface, and anti-air operations, foster seamless interoperability. This capability allows both navies to operate cohesively in various scenarios, crucial for regional maritime security.
• Maritime Domain Awareness: The joint efforts to enhance domain awareness improve situational responsiveness and monitoring capabilities in the shared maritime region, countering challenges like piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking.
• Strategic Partnership and Regional Stability: Conducted in the Bay of Bengal, SIMBEX 2024 highlights the role of India and Singapore as partners in regional security. The exercise demonstrates their commitment to a rules-based maritime order and a free and open Indo-Pacific.
• Capacity Building and Skill Enhancement: The Harbour Phase with Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), cross-deck visits, and sports fixtures facilitates knowledge sharing and cultural exchange, building camaraderie and mutual respect among personnel.
• Realistic Training: The Sea Phase with live weapon firings, seamanship drills, and tactical maneuvers provides real-world, high-intensity training, enhancing the operational preparedness of both navies in a diverse range of maritime challenges.

Other exercises between India and Singapore:

India and Singapore conduct multiple bilateral and multilateral military exercises, fostering cooperation across air, land, and sea domains. Some notable exercises include:

• SIMBEX (Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise): An annual naval exercise that enhances maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two navies. It began in 1994 and focuses on tactical exercises, anti-submarine warfare, and naval maneuvers.
• Bold Kurukshetra: A joint army exercise that emphasizes counterterrorism, urban warfare, and jungle warfare skills. It is conducted at intervals to improve interoperability and mutual learning between the armies.
• Joint Military Training (JMT): An air force exercise conducted in Singapore, where Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel train alongside the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). The training includes joint missions, air defense, and offensive operations.
• Trilateral Maritime Exercise (TME): In 2019, India, Singapore, and Thailand initiated a trilateral maritime exercise to enhance maritime security and improve interoperability among the participating countries.

Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2067816