Warships of the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy are conducting the sea phase of SIMBEX-2026 in the Bay of Bengal, practising the detection and neutralising of submarines, action against hostile surface vessels and defence against air threats, according to reports published on Sunday by The World Opinion and Report Wire.

The sea phase, the second and final stage of the bilateral exercise, began on October 24 and runs until October 26. Both navies are using the drills to test operational readiness and strengthen coordination at sea through ship manoeuvres and tactical exercises, the reports said.

The exercise opened on October 21 at Visakhapatnam, where the Singapore Navy ship RSS Supreme arrived to take part. The opening ceremony was held aboard the Indian Navy ships INS Nilgiri and INS Kamorta and was attended by the Staff Officer (Operations) of the Eastern Naval Command, the Singapore Navy's Flotilla Commander and senior officers of both navies.

The first, harbour phase ran from October 21 to 23 at Visakhapatnam and covered professional discussions, expert exchanges, visits to each other's warships and planning meetings for the operational phase at sea.

Naval cooperation between India and Singapore dates back to 1994, when the exercise was first held under the name Lion King. SIMBEX has since grown into one of the Indian Navy's longest-running bilateral maritime exercises. (Sources: The World Opinion; Report Wire)