Bay of Bengal Drills: Indian and Singapore Warships Sharpen Skills
New Delhi, October 25: Naval forces from India and Singapore are sharpening their combat readiness in the Bay of Bengal. Their warships are carrying out drills that involve tracking submarines, confronting enemy surface vessels, and countering air attacks, reflecting realistic operational scenarios.
These activities are being held during the maritime phase of SIMBEX-2026, a bilateral exercise between the two navies. The final day of the drills is October 26.
The sea phase is the exercise's second and concluding stage. It began on October 24 and will continue in the Bay of Bengal until October 26. During the sea phase, both navies are assessing their operational strengths. The programme includes submarine detection and engagement, action against enemy surface ships, and defence against aerial threats. Coordinated ship movements and a range of tactical manoeuvres are helping the navies deepen their working relationship at sea.
The exercise opened on October 21 in Visakhapatnam, where the Singapore naval ship RSS Supreme reached the port to participate. The opening function was held on the Indian Navy vessels INS Nilgiri and INS Kamorta. It was attended by the Staff Officer (Operations) of the Eastern Naval Command, the Singapore Navy Flotilla Commander, and senior naval officers from both sides.
From October 21 to 23, the first phase focused on port activities at Visakhapatnam. Naval personnel from the two countries took part in professional talks, expert panels, warship tours, and meetings to plan the operational phase.
India and Singapore began this naval exercise in 1994 under the name Exercise Lion King. Over the years, it has become a meaningful instrument of maritime cooperation between the two countries.
The exercise allows both navies to understand each other's systems, share knowledge, and develop smoother coordination for joint operations. SIMBEX-2026 seeks to improve the operational capacity of the two navies and their preparedness for common maritime challenges. It also highlights the joint commitment of India and Singapore to maintaining peace, stability, and maritime security across the Indo-Pacific region.