The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), Indian Navy (IN) and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) conducted the second Singapore-India-Thailand Maritime Exercise (SITMEX) from November 21 to 22 in the Andaman Sea.
Singapore participated with the Formidable-class frigate RSS Intrepid and the Endurance-class landing ship tank RSS Endeavour, while IN deployed the Kamorta-class corvette INS Kamorta and the Kora-class corvette INS Karmuk.
The RTN sent the Chao Phraya-class frigate HTMS Kraburi, Singapore's Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
As the host for the exercise this year, the RSN led the conduct of the at-sea only exercise.
The participating ships executed gunnery and small arms firings, manoeuvring drills, communications exercises, and naval warfare serials.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s exercise was planned virtually. There was also no physical contact between personnel of the participating navies during the exercise.
Commander of the exercise task group and commanding officer of RSS Intrepid, Lieutenant Colonel Oh Zongbo, highlighted the importance of navies to continue to engage one another amidst COVID-19 challenges.
“SITMEX serves as a useful exercise for the three like-minded navies to enhance our inter-operability in maritime operations. The ability to execute and conduct these operations together is a testament to the long-standing ties and trust that we have established with one another," he said.
The crew of RSS Intrepid and RSS Endeavour were isolated and tested negative for COVID-19 prior to deployment.