Maritime Bilateral Exercise Between India and Singapore - Simbex-17 Commences

TNPSC Current Affairs May 2017

The 24^th Maritime Bilateral Exercise between India and Singapore navy named SIMBEX-17 has commenced in South China Sea. 

The year’s exercise is aimed at increasing interoperability amongst the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)and Indian Navy as well as developing common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations.

About SIMBEX: 

• Abbreviation of SIMBEX is “Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercises”.
• The first bilateral training between Singapore and India navy was formalised in 1994 .
• This year exercise is divided into 2 phases , first wide-ranging professional interactions during the Harbour Phase and second diverse range of operational activities at sea during the Sea Phase.
• This year exercise would focus mainly on Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), integrated operations with Surface, Air and Sub-surface forces, Air Defence and Surface Encounter Exercises.
• Indian navy is represented by  Naval ships, INS Sahyadri, INS Kamorta, Shivalik, Joti and one P8-I Maritime Patrol and Anti-submarine warfare Aircraft.
• Singapore Navy is represented by RSN Ships Supreme, Formidable and Victory and Maritime Patrol Aircraft Fokker F50 in addition to the RSAF F-16 aircraft.