The 33rd edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-2026) commenced at Visakhapatnam on October 21, 2026, and will continue through October 26, 2026. The Republic of Singapore Navy ship RSS Supreme arrived at Visakhapatnam on October 21 to participate in the exercise.
The opening ceremony was held on October 21 onboard Indian Navy ships INS Nilgiri and INS Kamorta, attended by the Chief Staff Officer (Operations) of the Eastern Naval Command, the Fleet Commander of the Republic of Singapore Navy, and other senior officers from both navies.
The exercise, which originated in 1994 as Exercise Lion King, has developed into a significant bilateral maritime engagement between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy. Over its 32-year history, SIMBEX has expanded in both scope and complexity, strengthening professional ties, mutual understanding, and operational interoperability between the two naval forces.
The exercise is structured in two distinct phases. The Harbour Phase, running from October 21-23, 2026, includes professional interactions, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), cross-deck visits, sporting engagements, and planning conferences. The Sea Phase, scheduled for October 24-26, 2026 in the Bay of Bengal, will feature comprehensive maritime operations and tactical exercises including Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), anti-surface and anti-air warfare drills, seamanship evolutions, and tactical manoeuvres.
SIMBEX-2026 represents the continuing maritime partnership between India and Singapore and demonstrates their shared commitment to enhancing interoperability, addressing common maritime security challenges, and promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.