SIMBEX-2026: 33rd India-Singapore Maritime Exercise Begins in Visakhapatnam

The 33rd edition of the bilateral maritime exercise between Singapore and India (SIMBEX-2026) commenced on 21 October 2026 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The joint exercise is being held between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). This exercise seeks to enhance operational interoperability and coordination among other areas. The harbor phase will be held from 21-23 October while the sea phase will be held from 24-26 October in the Bay of Bengal. The naval ship RSS Supreme from Singapore has arrived for the exercise.

SIMBEX-2026: Key Details

• Exercise Name: Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX)
• Edition: 33rd
• Year: 2026
• Participating countries: India and Singapore
• Start date: 21 October 2026
• Harbour Phase: 21-23 October 2026
• Sea Phase: 24-26 October 2026
• Harbour venue: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
• Sea exercise area: Bay of Bengal
• Singapore Navy ship: RSS Supreme
• Indian Navy ships involved in opening ceremony: INS Nilgiri and INS Kamorta
• Original name: Exercise Lion King
• Established: 1994

Two Stages of SIMBEX-2026

This SIMBEX-2026 exercise is conducted in two stages which involve harbour stage and sea stage. The exercise involves professional interactions along with practical exercises.

1. Harbour Stage: 21-23 October

In the harbour stage, the exercise will involve professional interaction and planning for both navies. The activities involved in this phase are,

• Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs)
• Cross-deck visits between naval ships
• Professional interaction and planning
• Sporting interactions that help in building relations between personnel.

The inauguration ceremony was held on board INS Nilgiri and INS Kamorta on 21 October, 2026. Representatives from the Eastern Naval Command of Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy were present.

2. Sea Phase: 24 to 26 October

The sea phase of the exercises set to feature the maritime exercises and warfare tactics. The exercises that have been planned include,

• ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare): Exercises designed to detect, track, and counter submarine threats.
• Anti-Surface Warfare: Exercises involving the detecting and engaging with the surface threats.
• Anti-Air Warfare: Exercises designed to deal with airborne threats.
• Seamanship evolutions: Exercises designed to improve ship handling and coordination in the maritime domain.

This helps both navies improve coordination through these maritime exercises.

History of SIMBEX

SIMBEX was launched in 1994 under the name of Exercise Lion King. With the passage of time, it evolved into an important aspect of maritime cooperation between India and Singapore.

It has grown in scale and complexity and provided both navies with an opportunity to exchange experience, increase understanding and practice coordinated maritime operations.

This continuity highlights the growing significance of naval cooperation for the maintenance of maritime security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Significance of SIMBEX-2026

India and Singapore have a common interest in safe maritime passages, maritime stability and rule-based order in the region. Conducting regular naval exercises allows them to develop trust and increase compatibility of their forces.

The following points highlight the significance of SIMBEX-2026,

• Operational interoperability: Conducting joint exercises allows the navies to coordinate processes, communication and tactics.
• Maritime security: Practice of ASW, ASUW and AAW will increase readiness for different situations at sea.
• Indo-Pacific Cooperation: Conducting of the exercise will enhance defence relations between two countries which have common interests in maintaining peace and stability in the region.