Why in the News?

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Talwar arrived in Simon’s Town, South Africa to join India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime (IBSAMAR VIII). Running until October 18, it emphasizes Blue Water Naval Warfare, aiming to enhance interoperability. The exercise includes drills, professional exchanges, and joint operations, reinforcing India-South Africa defence ties and fostering mutual growth.

INS Talwar (F 40)

• It is a frontline stealth frigate of the Indian Navy.
• It is a modified version of Krivak III-class frigates made by Russia.
• It was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 18 June 2003.
• It incorporates stealth technology to reduce radar, infrared and acoustic signatures, enhancing survivability in hostile environments.
• It is equipped with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and the Klub anti-ship missiles for strike capability.
• It is armed with the Shtil-1 surface-to-air missile system and carries a Ka-31 helicopter for reconnaissance.
• Commanding Officer: Captain Jithu George

INS Talwar

India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime Exercise (IBSAMAR)

• It is a trilateral naval exercise involving the navies of India, Brazil, and South Africa.
• Established: 2008
• Objective: To foster closer defense ties, improve tactical and operational skills and promote mutual understanding through joint exercises and exchanges.
• It is held every two years, rotating locations among the three participating countries.
• It addresses common security challenges like piracy, smuggling and illegal fishing.
• South-South Cooperation: Part of the broader India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum, which promotes South-South cooperation among developing nations.
• India’s Other Maritime Exercises
  • Thailand: India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT)
  • United Kingdom: Konkan - Shakti
  • Indonesia: Samudra Shakti
  • Singapore: Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX)
  • Qatar: Zair-Al-Bahr
  • Japan: Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX)