SIMBEX-2026: India–Singapore Naval Exercise

Why Is It in News?

The 33rd edition of SIMBEX commenced at Visakhapatnam on 21 October 2026, with the exercise scheduled to continue until 26 October 2026.

About

SIMBEX is a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). It began in 1994 as Exercise Lion King and has developed into a major platform for naval cooperation between the two countries.

The exercise provides opportunities for professional exchanges, joint planning and tactical training. Its sea phase includes maritime operations and drills designed to improve coordination between the participating navies.

Key Points

1. Full form: Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise.
2. Exercise: SIMBEX-2026.
3. Edition: 33rd.
4. Participating navies: Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy.
5. Location: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
6. Dates: 21–26 October 2026.
7. Beginning: The exercise originated in 1994 as Exercise Lion King.
8. Singaporean naval ship: RSS Supreme participated in the exercise.
9. Indian naval ships involved in the opening ceremony: INS Nilgiri and INS Kamorta.
10. Harbour Phase: 21–23 October 2026; included professional interactions, subject-matter expert exchanges, cross-deck visits and planning conferences.
11. Sea Phase: 24–26 October 2026 in the Bay of Bengal.
12. Operational activities: Anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-air warfare, seamanship evolutions and tactical manoeuvres.
13. Importance: The exercise strengthens interoperability, professional ties and cooperation on maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.