The 3rd edition of India, Singapore and Thailand Trilateral Maritime Exercise SITMEX-21 was held on November 15-16, 2021 in Andaman Sea as a ‘non-contact, at sea only’ exercise in view of COVID-19 restrictions.
- It was hosted by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN).
Representors:
Indian Navy (IN)– INS (Indian Naval Ship) Karmuk, a 1350 tonne indigenously built Missile Corvette
Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)– RSS Tenacious,a Formidable Class Frigate
Royal Thai Navy (RTN)– His Majesty’s Thailand Ship (HTMS) Thayanchon, a Khamrosin Class Anti-submarine Patrol Craft.
Key Points:
i.As a part of exercise, maritime drills were held in various tactical exercises including naval manoeuvres and surface warfare drills.
ii.SITMEX-21 highlighted enhanced synergy, coordination and cooperation among participating navies for overall maritime security in the region.
About SITMEX:
Held annually, it is being conducted annually since 2019 to enhance mutual interoperability and best practices between IN, RSN and RTN. The 1st edition was hosted by IN off Port Blair in September 2019. RSN hosted the 2nd edition of the exercise in November 2020.
Recent Related News:
Indian Navy and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) conducts the 4th Edition of biennial Maritime Warfare exercise – “AUSINDEX 21” in the North Australian Exercise Area from 6th to 10th September, 2021. INS Shivalik & Kadmatt, under the Command of Rear Admiral Tarun Sobti, participated in the Naval exercise.
About Indian Navy (IN):
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS)– Admiral Karambir Singh
Navy Day– 4th December (annually celebrated to commemorate the victory of 1971 Indo-Pakistan war)
Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Navy)– New Delhi, Delhi