On 26 October 2026, the 33rd edition of Symbex‑2026, hosted by the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam, ended. The bilateral exercise further strengthened maritime cooperation and operational coordination between the Indian and Singapore navies
Under Symbex, Fleet Commander Colonel Bortam Eng of the Republic of Singapore Navy met Flag Officer Commanding, Rear Admiral Vishal Bishnoi of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet. Both sides exchanged professional views to strengthen maritime cooperation and discussed issues of mutual interest
Two‑phase exercise
The exercise was conducted in two phases. In the port phase, experts exchanged ideas, ships were inspected, professional talks were held, sports competitions organized and planning programmes conducted
In the maritime phase in the Bay of Bengal, exercises included maritime interdiction operations, anti‑submarine warfare (ASW), handling air and surface threats, maritime skill activities and aircraft operations from each other’s ships
Participating ships and aircraft
The Singapore Navy’s ship RSS Supreme, a formidable stealth frigate carrying SH‑70B helicopters, participated. From the Indian Navy came the indigenous stealth frigate INS Nilgiri, the ASW‑capable corvette INS Komorta and several aircraft including P‑8I, Dornier maritime patrol aircraft, Hawk advanced jet trainer and MH‑60R helicopter