Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tarkash, a frontline guided-missile stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, is on an overseas deployment to South Africa to participate in the ninth edition of the India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime (IBSAMAR) Exercise 2026. The trilateral exercise brings together the Indian, Brazilian and South African Navies to enhance interoperability, strengthen maritime cooperation and promote mutual understanding among the participating forces.
Focus on Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region
IBSAMAR IX holds significance for advancing maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean Region. The theme of this edition is “Stronger Together Towards a Shared Future in the Maritime Domain”, reflecting the participating navies’ focus on collective maritime security and preparedness to address common challenges.
Three Navies Participate with Warships and Aircraft
The Indian Navy is participating with INS Tarkash, accompanied by an integral Chetak helicopter. The South African Navy will deploy SAS Amatola, SAS King Sekhukhune I and SAS Adam Kok III, along with the SAS Manthatisi submarine. Brazil will participate with BNS Barroso, accompanied by an integral Lynx helicopter.
Exercise to Cover Wide Range of Maritime Operations
Conducted biennially since 2008 under the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) framework, IBSAMAR has emerged as a platform for collective training and the exchange of operational best practices among the three navies.
The exercise will cover a broad spectrum of maritime operations, including surface warfare, anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, naval air operations, maritime interdiction, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), anti-piracy operations, search and rescue, damage control and firefighting. Professional interactions will also form part of the exercise, according to the Ministry of Defence.
-PIB Inputs
