The Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) have successfully concluded the 2025 edition of their annual bilateral maritime exercise, SIMBEX (Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise), further deepening operational ties and strategic cooperation between the two Indo-Pacific powers.

SIMBEX 2025 saw high-level engagement from both navies, who conducted advanced naval drills, aerial combat simulations, and anti-submarine warfare operations, showcasing the growing sophistication and interoperability of both maritime forces.

Held annually since 1994, SIMBEX has evolved into one of the longest uninterrupted naval exercises India conducts with any country, reflecting over three decades of robust defence relations between the two strategic partners.

Objectives and strategic importance

SIMBEX is designed to enhance mutual understanding, operational competencies, and trust between the Indian Navy and RSN. This year’s edition focused on:

• Advanced surface and anti-air warfare drills

• Live weapon firings

• Tactical manoeuvres and coordinated maritime operations

• Cross-deck helicopter landings and communication drills

• Simulated sea denial and control missions

According to the Indian Navy, the exercise provided an ideal platform to strengthen naval cooperation, build real-time coordination, and fine-tune joint responses in challenging maritime scenarios.

A senior Indian Navy official said,

“SIMBEX 2025 reinforces the shared commitment to a rules-based maritime order, stability in the Indo-Pacific, and continued maritime collaboration.”

Participating platforms and assets

The 2025 edition saw multiple warships, maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, and submarines from both countries.

From India, platforms included:

• INS Chennai, a guided missile destroyer

• INS Kiltan, an advanced ASW corvette

• P-8I Poseidon long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft

• Integral helicopters and UAVs

From Singapore, the RSN deployed:

• RSS Steadfast, a Formidable-class stealth frigate

• RSS Vigour, a Victory-class corvette

• S-70B Seahawk naval helicopters

• Endurance-class support vessels

The sea phase involved coordinated tactical manoeuvres in international waters, while the harbour phase included professional exchanges, sports fixtures, and joint briefings, encouraging camaraderie among officers and sailors alike.

Growing maritime alignment

India and Singapore share a strategic interest in maintaining a secure, stable and rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region. With the growing assertiveness of rival powers in regional waters, both navies have prioritised interoperability, joint readiness, and rapid deployment capability.

Over the years, SIMBEX has grown from a simple anti-submarine warfare drill to a complex exercise covering the full spectrum of naval warfare.

Both navies are also part of several multilateral forums like the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), and the Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS). The cooperation also extends to white shipping information exchange, hydrographic survey collaboration, and capacity-building in maritime domain awareness.

Singapore’s Defence Ministry stated:

“SIMBEX demonstrates the high level of trust, professionalism and strategic convergence between our navies. We are committed to continued engagement across all operational domains.”

Broader Indo-Pacific context

The Indo-Pacific continues to be a strategically sensitive region, with growing concerns over freedom of navigation, maritime disputes, and increasing militarisation of regional waters. In this context, India’s Act East Policy and Singapore’s central role in ASEAN have made such bilateral drills not just tactical exercises, but strategic messages.

By consistently engaging in SIMBEX, India and Singapore reaffirm their shared commitment to maritime security, rule of law at sea, and regional stability.

The 2025 edition also included scenario-based discussions on maritime law enforcement, counter-terrorism at sea, and disaster response operations, which are increasingly relevant in today’s unpredictable threat environment.

Past legacy and future outlook

SIMBEX began in 1994, focusing then on simple tactical coordination. Over the decades, it has adapted to new naval challenges including:

• Cyber and electronic warfare integration

• Unmanned aerial and underwater systems

• AI-based threat simulations and autonomous drills

In recent years, both India and Singapore have also explored tri-service interactions, and there is growing possibility that future editions may include maritime special forces components and undersea autonomous vehicles.

The Indian Navy has increasingly positioned itself as a preferred security partner for ASEAN countries, and Singapore is seen as a gateway for India’s expanded regional maritime engagement.

Looking ahead, both countries are expected to expand their maritime cooperation through:

• More frequent port calls

• Joint research in undersea technologies

• Cooperation in maritime law enforcement training

Conclusion

SIMBEX 2025 has once again proven to be a cornerstone of India-Singapore naval ties, combining tactical proficiency with strategic alignment. As regional dynamics shift, such bilateral engagements are more important than ever in shaping a resilient, rules-based Indo-Pacific security architecture.

With the successful completion of this year’s edition, both navies have set the stage for deeper maritime interoperability, stronger joint readiness, and an enduring partnership anchored in mutual trust and shared values.

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