New Delhi:
India and Singapore have carried out a important naval wargame in the southern fringes of the South China Sea more than the last 3 days, in reflection of their increasing congruence of interests in the strategically crucial area.
The Indian Navy deployed its guided-missile destroyer INS Ranvijay, anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kiltan and guided-missile corvette INS Kora and one P8I lengthy-variety maritime patrol aircraft for the ”SIMBEX” workout from September 2-4, officials mentioned.
The Singapore Navy was represented by formidable class frigate RSS Steadfast, victory class missile corvette RSS Vigour, one Archer class submarine and one Fokker-50 maritime patrol aircraft, they mentioned.
Four F-16 fighter aircraft of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) also participated in the workout through the air defence drills.
It was the 28th edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX).
28th Ed of #Singapore– #India#Maritime Bilateral Exercise #SIMBEX performed 02 to 04 Sep 21.#IndianNavy & Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Warships, integral helo & Maritime Patrol Aircraft participated in drills at sea.#BridgesofFriendship@mindefsg@IndiainSingaporpic.twitter.com/I1qdxdPfFX
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) September 4, 2021
Initiated in 1994, SIMBEX is the Indian Navy’s longest uninterrupted bilateral maritime workout with any foreign navy.
“Sustaining the continuity of this significant engagement despite the challenges of the ongoing pandemic further underscores the strength of bilateral defence ties,” Indian Navy Spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal mentioned.
“Despite these constraints during the planning stages, both navies could achieve seamless and safe execution of several challenging evolutions including live weapon firing and advanced naval warfare serials, including anti-submarine, anti-air and anti-surface warfare drills,” he mentioned.
Commander Madhwal mentioned the scale and complexity of the drills is a “testimony” to the interoperability accomplished involving each Navies.
“This year’s edition of SIMBEX is also a special occasion as it takes place during the ongoing celebrations of the 75th year of India’s independence,” he mentioned.
“The success of SIMBEX-2021 is yet another demonstration of the mutual resolve on both sides to strengthen the bilateral partnership further in the years ahead,” he added.
India-Singapore defence ties stay a really considerable aspect of the all round engagement involving the two nations.
Both navies have a representation in every other’s Maritime Information Fusion Centres and have also lately signed an agreement on mutual submarine rescue help and coordination.
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