Singapore Navy Ship ‘Formidable’ Visits Vizag

Through the ongoing Bilateral Naval Exercise called SIMBEX (Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercises) between the Navies of the Republic of Singapore and India, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) ship ‘RSS Formidable’ came to the city yesterday on a five day visit to the Eastern Naval Command. Lieutenant Colonel Khoo Aik Leong Albert and a senior Singapore Navy delegation headed by Colonel Aaron Beng are part of the team on visit.

The visit will have both the navies interacting in various professional, cultural, social and sports fronts. The bilateral cooperation between Singapore and India began in 1994 when they began training with the Indian Navy with the aim to develop common understanding and learn the procedures for maritime security operations.

The 23rd edition being held now includes a wide range of professional interactions between October 31 and November 2 called Harbour Phase. The Sea Phase from November 3-5 will have a wide range of operational activities. This phase will focus on Anti Submarine Warfare, Integrated operations with Surface, Air and Sub-surface forces, Air Defence and Surface Encounter Exercises.

This SIMBEX, RSS Formidable and Maritime Pilot Craft Fokker 50 represent the Singapore Navy. INS Ranvijay – a guided missile destroyer, INS Kamorta – an indigenous ASW stealth Corvette, a Sindhugosh class submarine, a Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I, Maritime Patrol Aircraft Dornier, Advanced Jet Trainer Hawk and integral rotary wing helicopters represent the Indian Navy. RSS Formidable will leave the city on November 3.

Admiral Lai Chung Han – Singapore Chief of Naval Staff; had previously visited the city during the IFR – 16.