Maiden India-Indonesia-Australia Trilateral Maritime Exercise and SIMBEX

September 23, 2023

Indian Navy’s indigenous warship, INS Sahyadri, stationed in the Indo-Pacific region, actively participated in the inaugural trilateral Maritime Partnership Exercise alongside the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Indonesian Navy. The exercise took place on September 20th and 21st, marking a significant collaboration among these maritime nations.

Strengthening Partnership in the Indo-Pacific

The trilateral exercise aimed to bolster the partnership between India, Australia, and Indonesia, fostering a collective effort to enhance stability, peace, and security in the Indo-Pacific region. It offered an invaluable opportunity for the participating navies to share their knowledge and expertise.

Enhancing Interoperability through Exercises

During the exercise, complex tactical and manoeuvring exercises were conducted, along with cross-deck visits and cross-deck landings of integral helicopters. These activities were designed to train the crew and improve interoperability among the participating naval forces.

INS Sahyadri: A Pride of India

INS Sahyadri, the third vessel of the Project-17 class multirole stealth frigates, was constructed at Mazagon Dock Ltd, Mumbai, and is under the command of Capt Rajan Kapoor, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defence.

30th Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX)

As part of the 30th Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX), Indian Naval Ships Ranvijay and Kavaratti, along with Submarine INS Sindhukesari, arrived in Singapore on September 20th. SIMBEX, which has been an annual event since 1994 between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), is recognized as the Indian Navy’s longest continuous naval exercise with any foreign nation.

Two Phases of SIMBEX-2023

SIMBEX-2023 comprises two phases: the Harbour Phase in Singapore from September 21st to 24th, followed by the Sea Phase. The exercise also includes the participation of the Long-Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I, alongside Ranvijay, Kavaratti, and Sindhukesari.

Boosting Interoperability and Understanding

The Harbour Phase will encompass a range of professional interactions, cross-deck visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), and sports fixtures, all aimed at improving interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies.

Enhancing Combat Capabilities

Both navies’ units will collaborate to enhance their combat capabilities and their ability to carry out multi-discipline operations in the maritime environment.

Advanced Maritime Operations in the Sea Phase

The Sea Phase of SIMBEX 23 will feature advanced air defense exercises, gunnery firings, tactical maneuvers, anti-submarine exercises, and various other maritime operations, showcasing the naval prowess of both India and Singapore.

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