India, Singapore conduct naval exercise in South China Sea

NEW DELHI (PTI): Close to Chinese maritime boundary, the Indian Navy is engaging the Singaporean Navy in an eight day wargames in the South China Sea.

During the exercise, the two navies will develop and share each other's skills in training and related aspects of anti-submarine warfare, Indian Navy officials said here.

"This time, Singapore Navy has deployed three frigates, a missile corvette, a submarine and a maritime patrol aircraft. The Singapore Air Force is also deploying fighter aircraft in it," they added.

India has sent three destroyers, a corvette, a fleet tanker and a maritime patrol aircraft for the exercise which consists of two phases, one in shore and the other in sea.

The shore-based exercise was held at the Changi Naval base while the sea-based exercise is being carried out in the South China Sea, the officials added.

SIMBEX series of joint exercises were started between the two navies in 1994.

China has claimed most part of the South China Sea as its territory and has a maritime boundary disputes with several countries of ASEAN region, including Singapore.

Source : http://www.brahmand.com

Indian defence majors to participate in IMDEX Asia 2011

NEW DELHI (PTI): Premier Indian defence companies BrahMos Aerospace and Pipavav Shipyard may showcase their products at IMDEX 2011, the international maritime defence show to be held in Singapore in May, in which many global defence majors will participate.

"Indian companies that have expressed interest in participating in the exhibition include BrahMos Aerospace and Pipavav Shipyard. As a thriving defence hub, we look forward to India's valuable contributions at activities and conferences organised at IMDEX Asia 2011," Jimmy Lau, Managing Director of Experia Events, organiser of the show, told reporters here.

IMDEX Asia will see participation from more than 150 companies and global defence majors like DCNS, Lockheed Martin, MBDA, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and ThyssenKrupp Marine.

The four-day event from May 18 to 20 will take place at the Changi Exhibition Centre (CEC) and will also host around 20 warships from various navies.

"We are expecting more than 50 VIP delegates from 40 countries. The event is also expected to bring together the participation of some 20 warships from various navies," Laud said.

He said that in the next two decades, Asia-Pacific region is slated to become the second largest naval market in the world after the United States.

"With only the US set to spend more on new ships and equipment over the same time frame, the Asia Pacific region will move past Europe as the second largest naval market in the world, as measured by market value to new ships and related equipment," Lau said.

Besides showcasing their products and services, the participating navies and maritime agencies will also engage in exercises to promote inter-agency coordination and address the evolving challenges to safety and security at sea.

Singapore will also host the third edition of the Singapore Airshow between February 14-19, 2012.

"We have sent invites to several Indian organisations for the event. Indian Air Force (IAF) of course is among the major invitees. Again we would expect India to send a big delegation for the event," Lau said.