The eighth edition of Exercise Ibsamar, a significant multinational maritime exercise involving the navies of South Africa, Brazil, and India, has successfully concluded, marking another milestone in trilateral maritime cooperation. Held biennially, the exercise rotates leadership among the three participating nations, with South Africa serving as the permanent host due to its strategic geographical location.
Structure and Participants
Exercise Ibsamar provides a robust platform for these naval forces to enhance interoperability and strengthen maritime security through a series of comprehensive exercises, both ashore and at sea. The 2024 edition consisted of an alongside phase at Simon’s Town Harbour from October 7-9, followed by a sea phase in False Bay and the Cape West coast area from October 10-16.
- South Africa: Deployed the frigate SAS Amatola, supported by a Super Lynx helicopter, an Oryx helicopter, and two Hawk jets.
- Brazil: Contributed with the Niteroi-class frigate BNS Defensora, equipped with a Super Lynx helicopter and a Special Forces team.
- India: Participated with the frigate INS Talwar, its onboard Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopter, and an Indian Special Forces team.
Objectives and Highlights
Rear Admiral Handsome Matsane, Flag Officer Fleet designate of the South African Navy, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. He highlighted that the extensive and strategically important coastlines of India, Brazil, and South Africa make such exercises essential for credible maritime security. Under the leadership of Exercise Director Captain Sifiso Majozi (SA Navy), Ibsamar aims to enhance operational readiness and cooperation among the participating nations, covering a wide range of serials such as tactical maneuvers, search and rescue operations, and maritime security drills.
Commander Almeida Malos de Carvalho, Officer Commanding the Brazilian Navy Ship Defensora, stressed the significance of shared security and stability, while Captain Jithu George, Officer Commanding the Indian Naval Ship INS Talwar, pointed out that multilateral interactions like Ibsamar are crucial for building mutual trust and enhancing interoperability among navies towards a peaceful maritime domain.
Captain Dieter Jones, Officer Commanding the South African Frigate SAS Amatola, noted the efforts to foster existing relationships, exchange customs and naval traditions, and practice common doctrine—all of which are driven by the shared interest in maritime security.
Technological Advancements
A key technological highlight of Exercise Ibsamar VIII was the use of the Indian Navy’s NISHAR (Network for Information Sharing) system. This system facilitates seamless communication and information sharing between the participating naval forces, enhancing their ability to coordinate operations and develop a common operating picture. NISHAR’s portable terminals, which work on plug-and-play architecture, enable the sharing of text, emails, and, when satellite bandwidth allows, images and video conferencing. This connectivity is crucial during joint exercises, ensuring effective communication over long distances.
Addressing Shared Challenges
Exercise Ibsamar also focuses on addressing common challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, and drug trafficking. By coordinating efforts and sharing best practices, the participating navies are better equipped to defend their waters and uphold international maritime law.
A “high-strenght” collaboration
As Commander Almeida Malos de Carvalho aptly put it, “Ibsamar is one of the pillars of our defense responses, a high-strength collaboration and exchange of knowledge between our nations.” The conclusion of Ibsamar VIII not only strengthens the operational capabilities of the participating navies but also fosters greater understanding and interoperability, paving the way for more effective maritime security cooperation in the future.