New Delhi: Navies of India, Singapore and Thailand began their second edition of trilateral maritime exercise “SITMEX” in the Andaman Sea on Saturday. The two-day naval drill would conclude on Sunday.
“Indian Navy Ships including indigenously built ASW corvette Kamorta and missile corvette Karmuk are participating in the 2nd edition of SITMEX exercise in the Arabian Sea,” Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said here on Sunday.
The first edition of SITMEX, hosted by Indian Navy, was conducted off Port Blair in September 2019.
The SITMEX series of exercises are conducted to enhance mutual inter-operability and imbibing best practices between IN, Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Royal Thai Navy (RTN).
The 2020 edition of the exercise is being hosted by RSN.
RSN is being represented by the ‘Formidable’ Class frigate ‘Intrepid’ and ‘Endurance’ Class Landing Ship Tank "Endeavour" and RTN by the "Chao Phraya" Class frigate "Kraburi" in the exercise.
The exercise, being conducted as a ‘non-contact, at sea only’ exercise in view of COVID-19 pandemic, highlights growing synergy, coordination and cooperation in the maritime domain between the three friendly navies and maritime neighbours.
The two days of maritime drills will witness the three navies participate in a variety of exercises including naval manoeuvres, surface warfare exercises and weapon firings.
Besides improving inter-operability between the friendly navies, SITMEX series of exercise also aim to strengthen mutual confidence and develop common understanding and procedures towards enhancing the overall maritime security in the region.
