Visakhapatnam: India and Singapore have started the 33rd edition of the SIMBEX-2026 naval exercise in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, to strengthen maritime cooperation and improve coordination between their navies. The joint exercise is being held from October 21 to 26, 2026. It includes professional exchanges, naval training and advanced maritime warfare drills.
The exercise also highlights the long-standing defence partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
SIMBEX-2026 Begins With Opening Ceremony
The Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) officially began the exercise on October 21, 2026. The opening ceremony was held aboard Indian Navy ships INS Nilgiri and INS Kamorta.
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Senior officers from both navies attended the ceremony, including Rear Admiral Manoj Jha, Chief Staff Officer (Operations) of the Eastern Naval Command, and Colonel Bertram Ang, Fleet Commander of the Republic of Singapore Navy.
Singapore’s naval ship RSS Supreme also arrived in Visakhapatnam on October 21 to participate in the exercise. The event marks another important step in strengthening naval relations between India and Singapore through joint training and professional cooperation.
What Is The Main Aim Of SIMBEX-2026
The main objective of SIMBEX-2026 is to improve operational interoperability, which means helping the two navies work together effectively during maritime operations.
The exercise will allow naval personnel to exchange knowledge, share professional experience and improve their understanding of each other’s operational methods. It will also help both countries strengthen their ability to respond to common maritime security challenges.
The Indian Navy has highlighted the importance of cooperation between the two forces in supporting collective security and promoting peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
SIMBEX-2026 To Be Conducted In Two Phases
The exercise will take place in two phases: the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase. Each phase has a different role in preparing the navies for joint maritime operations.
1. Harbour Phase: October 21 To 23
The Harbour Phase is being conducted in Visakhapatnam from October 21 to 23, 2026. During this phase, naval personnel will take part in professional discussions, subject matter expert exchanges, cross-deck visits, sporting activities and planning conferences.
Cross-deck visits allow personnel to visit ships operated by the other navy and gain a better understanding of their equipment, working methods and operational practices. These activities will help build trust, improve communication and strengthen professional relations between the two naval forces.
2. Sea Phase: October 24 To 26
The Sea Phase is scheduled to take place in the Bay of Bengal from October 24 to 26, 2026.
During this phase, the two navies will conduct maritime operations and tactical exercises designed to improve their ability to work together at sea. The planned activities include anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-air warfare drills, seamanship evolutions and tactical manoeuvres. These drills will help the participating forces practise different maritime scenarios and improve coordination during complex naval operations.
Key Naval Warfare Drills Planned During SIMBEX-2026
The Sea Phase will focus on several important areas of maritime warfare.
Anti-Submarine Warfare
Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) involves detecting, tracking and responding to submarine threats. Training in this area helps naval forces improve their ability to operate in waters where submarines may pose a security challenge.
Anti-Surface Warfare
Anti-surface warfare focuses on operations involving surface vessels, such as warships. These drills help naval personnel practise identifying and responding to potential threats from other ships.
Anti-Air Warfare
Anti-air warfare involves detecting and responding to threats from aircraft and other airborne weapons. Such training helps naval forces improve their air-defence coordination and readiness.
Seamanship And Tactical Manoeuvres
Seamanship exercises focus on the skills required to operate ships safely and effectively at sea. Tactical manoeuvres help naval vessels practise coordinated movements during operational situations. Together, these activities are intended to strengthen the operational readiness and coordination of the participating navies.
History of SIMBEX-2026
The SIMBEX series began in 1994 under the name Exercise Lion King. Since then, it has developed into an important bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy.
Over the years, the exercise has expanded in scope and complexity. It now includes a wider range of professional interactions and advanced naval warfare training.
The long-running engagement has helped both countries build professional relationships, improve mutual understanding and strengthen their ability to conduct joint maritime operations. The 33rd edition continues this tradition of cooperation through practical training and the exchange of naval expertise.
Why Is SIMBEX-2026 Important For India And Singapore
SIMBEX-2026 is important because maritime security requires countries to cooperate, share expertise and prepare for common challenges at sea.
India and Singapore have a shared interest in maintaining peace, stability and secure maritime routes across the Indo-Pacific region.
The exercise gives both navies an opportunity to improve coordination, practise complex operations and develop a better understanding of each other’s capabilities. It also reinforces the defence partnership between the two countries through regular military engagement and professional cooperation.
What SIMBEX-2026 Means For Indo-Pacific Maritime Security
The Indo-Pacific is an important region for international trade, shipping and maritime connectivity. Cooperation between regional navies can contribute to safer waters and greater stability.
Through SIMBEX-2026, India and Singapore are continuing their efforts to improve maritime coordination and address shared security concerns.
The exercise demonstrates the importance of regular joint training in building trust and improving the ability of naval forces to operate together. As the exercise continues until October 26, its Harbour and Sea Phases will provide opportunities for professional engagement and practical maritime training.
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FAQs
SIMBEX-2026 is being held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, from October 21 to 26, 2026. Its Sea Phase is scheduled to take place in the Bay of Bengal from October 24 to 26.
SIMBEX-2026 is the 33rd edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise. It is a joint naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy to improve maritime cooperation, operational coordination and naval warfare skills.
SIMBEX-2026 includes professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, planning conferences, anti-submarine warfare drills, anti-surface warfare exercises, anti-air warfare drills, seamanship evolutions and tactical manoeuvres.
