The 33rd edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-2026) is being held at Visakhapatnam from 21 to 26 October 2026, according to the official release reported by Tripura Star News. Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) ship RSS Supreme arrived at Visakhapatnam on 21 October to participate in the exercise.

Source: Tripura Star News (official release)

The opening ceremony of SIMBEX-2026 was held on 21 October onboard INS Nilgiri and INS Kamorta. The ceremony was attended by the Chief Staff Officer (Operations) of the Eastern Naval Command, the Fleet Commander of the RSN, and other senior officers from both navies, the release said. Daily Kiran reported the same opening ceremony and the arrival of RSS Supreme.

Source: Daily Kiran

33rdedition of SIMBEX being held in 2026
Oct 21-26dates of SIMBEX-2026 at Visakhapatnam and at sea
1994year SIMBEX began, as Exercise Lion King
Oct 24-26sea phase in the Bay of Bengal

Two phases: harbour, then sea

The exercise will be conducted in two phases. The Harbour Phase, from 21 to 23 October, will include professional interactions, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), cross-deck visits, sporting engagements, and planning conferences. The Sea Phase, scheduled from 24 to 26 October in the Bay of Bengal, will feature maritime operations and tactical exercises, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface and anti-air warfare drills, seamanship evolutions, and tactical manoeuvres, according to the official release.

Source: Tripura Star News (official release)

DharmaKshetra, reporting the Indian Navy's announcement, also said the sea phase from October 24 to 26 would include anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface operations, air defence drills, seamanship activities and tactical manoeuvres.

Source: DharmaKshetra

Since 1994

SIMBEX began in 1994 as Exercise Lion King and has since evolved into a significant bilateral maritime engagement between the Indian Navy and the RSN, expanding in scope and complexity over the years.

SIMBEX-2026 reaffirms the longstanding maritime partnership between India and Singapore and their shared commitment to enhancing interoperability, addressing common maritime security challenges, and promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, the release said.