Indian Naval Ship Tarkash, a frontline guided missile stealth frigate, is deployed to South Africa to participate in the ninth edition of India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime (IBSAMAR) Exercise 2026. This trilateral maritime exercise brings together the Indian, Brazilian, and South African Navies with the primary objective of enhancing interoperability, strengthening maritime cooperation, and promoting mutual understanding among the participating forces.
The IBSAMAR exercise has been conducted biennially since 2008 under the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) framework and serves as an important platform for collective training and exchange of operational best practices. The exercise encompasses a broad spectrum of maritime operations including surface warfare, anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, naval air operations, maritime interdiction, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), anti-piracy operations, Search and Rescue, Damage Control, and Firefighting, along with professional interactions.
IBSAMAR IX holds significance in furthering maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean Region, with the theme "Stronger Together Towards a Shared Future in the Maritime Domain." The exercise aims to promote collective maritime security and preparedness to address maritime challenges. Participating vessels include the South African Navy's SAS Amatola, SAS King Sekhukhune I, SAS Adam Kok III, and SAS Manthatisi submarine, while Brazil participates with BNS Barroso carrying one integral Lynx helicopter. The Indian Navy is represented by INS Tarkash embarked with one integral Chetak helicopter.
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