IBSAMAR Progresses off Durban, South Africa
The Indian Ocean region off Durban is abuzz with activity as 11 ships of the navies of India, Brazil and South Africa engage in nautical exercises as part of the ongoing IBSAMAR, India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime (Exercise).
This, the second edition of IBSAMAR scheduled from 13 – 27 Sep 2010, is slated to be a multi-dimensional exercise where in various naval scenarios are being exercised. The exercises are structured with the aim of sharing best practices in various facets of naval operations. The ships participating are Mysore, Tabar, Ganga and Aditya of the Indian Navy; Amatola, Spioenkop, Drakensburg, Charlotte Maxeke, Queen Modjadji-I and Galeshewe of the South African Navy and the Brazillian Naval Ship Niteroi. Associated integral helicopters including Lynx & Seakings are also participating.
The inagural India-Brasil-South Africa trilateral exercise was held in South Africa in May 2008. IBSA is a unique forum which brings together the three large democracies from the three different continents, all facing common challenges. IBSAMAR is steered by the Joint Work Group for Defence, which is one of 16 Joint Working Groups of the three nations looking into various cooperation initiatives.
PVS