The India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime Exercise IBSAMAR IX is underway off South African waters. The South African Navy (SAN) hosted a media briefing aboard the Indian frigate INS Tarkash at the Simon’s Town Naval Base on 12 October 2026 to outline the operational objectives of the exercise. Bringing together the navies of India, Brazil and South Africa, the 9th edition of the exercise places cooperation at the centre of efforts to strengthen maritime security. South Africa is hosting the exercise, while India is leading it.
Under the theme “Stronger Together, Towards a Shared Future in the Maritime Domain”, the participating navies reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing interoperability and safeguarding the peaceful use of the seas.
Addressing the media, the Commanding Officer of Tarkash, Captain Rohit Mishra, emphasised that maritime threats cross national boundaries and require a coordinated response. Piracy, maritime terrorism, illegal fishing, and the trafficking of arms, drugs and people were identified as challenges requiring stronger partnerships and shared operational awareness.
The harbour phase was held from 12-14 October, focussed on professional exchanges, joint planning and communication procedures. This was followed by the sea phase from 15 to 20 October. Training activities will include surface warfare, air defence, anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction, visit, board, search and seizure operations, search and rescue, firefighting and helicopter operations.
The SAN said “Beyond demonstrating naval capabilities, Exercise IBSAMAR IX provides an opportunity to build trust, exchange expertise and refine procedures for effective joint operations. Naval leaders highlighted the importance of developing a shared maritime picture to help participating forces identify suspicious activities and coordinate their responses at sea.
With South Africa strategically positioned along shipping routes connecting the Atlantic and Indian oceans, this cooperation supports the protection of maritime trade, freedom of navigation and a safer maritime environment. The exercise reinforces the shared understanding that sustained partnerships and coordinated action are essential to addressing evolving maritime security threats.”
Sources: SAN & IN
