Singapore - India and Singapore's navies conducted a 14-day exercise using combined surface-to-air missile live firing for the first time, Singapore's defence ministry said Saturday. Held in the Bay of Bengal from March 17 to March 29, the event has been held annually since 1994 and started with anti-submarine warfare exercises.
The Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) "has grown in scope and complexity, evolving to advanced naval water exercises covering the air, surface and sub-surface dimensions," a statement said.
The Singapore navy sent a frigate, two missile corvettes and a landing ship tank. The Indian navy deployed a destroyer, a frigate, two corvettes, two missile boats, two fast-attack craft and one offshore patrol vessel, together with a submarine.
Both navies also deployed maritime patrol aircraft.
In addition to SIMBEX, the statement said both navies have regular interactions including exchange programmes and courses.
