The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), Indian Navy (IN) and Royal Thai Navy (RTN) conducted the 4th Singapore-India-Thailand Maritime Exercise (SITMEX) from 8 to 11 November 2024.

This year’s edition of the exercise was hosted by the IN, with the shore phase of the exercise conducted at Port Blair, India.  The RSN had deployed its Formidable-class frigate RSS Tenacious, with an embarked S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter. The IN deployed the Saryu-class offshore patrol vessel INS Saryu, the Kora-class corvette INS Karmuk and the Dornier-228 maritime patrol aircraft. The RTN participated with the Krabi-class offshore patrol vessel HTMS Krabi. During the exercise, the participating navies conducted a series of naval serials, including manoeuvring drills and live firing in the Andaman Sea.

Highlighting the value of the trilateral exercise, Commanding Officer of RSS Tenacious Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Chan said, “The successful conduct of SITMEX underscores the strong partnership amongst the participating navies in working together to keep the sea lines of communication open. It is important that like-minded navies keep up with interactions such as SITMEX to deepen mutual understanding and enhance interoperability.”

The exercise reaffirms the strong and long-standing defence relationships between Singapore, India and Thailand.