South Africa hosts IBSAMAR IX naval exercise with India and Brazil

The ninth edition of the IBSAMAR naval exercise is currently underway in South African waters, specifically in the areas of Simon’s Town and False Bay. The biennial drills, which began on October 8 and are scheduled to run until October 21, involve the naval forces of South Africa, India, and Brazil.

India is serving as the lead nation for this iteration. Key contributors include the Indian stealth missile frigate INS Tarkash (F50), accompanied by a Chetak helicopter and a special forces team. Brazil is represented by the Inhauma-class corvette CV Barroso (V34), which arrived at Simon’s Town on October 8.

The exercise aims to strengthen naval cooperation and operational coordination among the three nations. South Africa has deployed various assets, including Oryx helicopters, Super Lynx 300 maritime helicopters, Gripen aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The use of UAVs is intended to modernize military operations and enhance mission safety.