Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : The Sea Phase of maiden SITMEX-19 (Singapore India Thailand Maritime Exercise), between Indian Navy (IN), Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), and Royal Thai Navy (RTN) commenced in the Andaman Sea from 18 September 18, 20 19.
IN Ships Ranvir, a Guided Missile Destroyer, Kora, a Missile Corvette, Sumedha, an Offshore Patrol Vessel along with Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft P8I, are jointly exercising with RSS Tenacious, a Formidable-class Guided Missile Stealth Frigate, and HTMS Kraburi, a Guided Missile Frigate engaged in various Gunnery, Force Protection Measures, Air Defence and Communication Exercises to enhance maritime interoperability between the participating navies. Sea Riders have also been exchanged between participating ships to provide experience sharing of best practices, according to a PIB release.
Early, the harbour phase of SITMEX-19 culminated at Port Blair and included professional interaction in the form of Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), Pre-Sail Conferences which was attended by Command teams and friendly basketball matches between joint teams drawn from participating ships. A Food Festival was also organised during the harbour phase to showcase delicacies of each participating countries.