India and Singapore Navies in Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise
(17 Mar 2003)

The Indian Navy (IN) and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) conducted their annual Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) exercise in Kochi, India, from 3 to 13 March 2003. This exercise marks the 10th anniversary of the series of ASW exercises conducted between the two navies since 1994. The exercise was jointly opened on 3 March 2003 by Vice Admiral MJ Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the IN's Southern Naval Command and Rear Admiral Lui Tuck Yew, Singapore's Chief of Navy.

The highlight of this year's exercise is the firing of an exercise torpedo by the RSN Missile Corvette, RSS Valiant, at an IN submarine, INS Vela. This is another step forward in the development of the RSN's anti-submarine warfare capability.

Two other Missile Corvettes (RSS Vigour and RSS Valiant) and one Anti-Submarine Patrol Vessel (RSS Brave) from the RSN; and two submarines (INS Shalki and INS Vela), one missile frigate (INS Gomati) and two Offshore Patrol Vessels (INS Sukanya and INS Sujata) from the IN participated in this exercise. Strike and maritime surveillance aircraft from the IN will also be supporting the exercise.

The annual ASW exercise serves as a useful platform for the IN and the RSN to interact professionally. It has also helped foster closer relations, mutual understanding and goodwill between the two navies.

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