SIMBEX-2026: 33rd India-Singapore naval exercise at Visakhapatnam
Why in the news
The 33rd edition of SIMBEX, the bilateral maritime exercise between India and Singapore, opened at Visakhapatnam on 21 October 2026.
Key facts
- SIMBEX stands for Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise; this is its 33rd edition, held from 21 to 26 October 2026.
- Singapore sent Republic of Singapore Navy ship RSS Supreme, which reached Visakhapatnam on 21 October.
- The opening ceremony took place on board INS Nilgiri and INS Kamorta, attended by the Chief Staff Officer (Operations) of the Eastern Naval Command and the RSN Fleet Commander.
- Origin: the exercise started in 1994 as Exercise Lion King.
| Phase | Dates | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Harbour phase, Visakhapatnam | 21-23 October | Expert exchanges, cross-deck visits, sports, planning conferences |
| Sea phase, Bay of Bengal | 24-26 October | Anti-submarine, anti-surface and anti-air warfare drills, seamanship, tactical manoeuvres |
About SIMBEX
Since its start as Lion King in 1994, the exercise has steadily grown in scope and complexity, moving from basic drills to advanced warfare serials. This edition was hosted by the Eastern Naval Command at Visakhapatnam, with professional exchanges in harbour followed by tactical training at sea.
Exam angle
- Pair the exercise with its partner: SIMBEX = India and Singapore.
- Remember the edition (33rd), the 1994 start and the original name Lion King.
- Venue: Visakhapatnam and the Bay of Bengal.