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Exercise IBSAMAR IX concluded its sea phase in False Bay with a Distinguished Visitors Day that brought the naval cooperation between India, Brazil and South Africa into view. Senior military leaders and defence industry representatives observed a programme involving warships, aircraft and personnel from the three participating countries. Beyond the ceremonial elements, the occasion illustrated the coordination required to operate together at sea. It also provided an opportunity to assess how multinational exercises support professional exchanges, strengthen working relationships and develop familiarity between forces with different operational experiences, equipment and procedures, while maintaining a shared focus on maritime cooperation.
The visitors were hosted aboard SAS Amatola, with attendees including the Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya, Secretary for Defence B.B. Mthimkhulu and Chief of the South African Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese. Senior officers and invited guests joined them for demonstrations reflecting the cooperation developed during the exercise. A ceremonial sail-past saw participating vessels salute SAS Amatola, combining the operational programme with established naval traditions. Such occasions give senior leaders a direct view of participating forces while acknowledging the personnel whose preparation, discipline and practical work underpin cooperation throughout a multinational deployment at sea.
The participating vessels included India’s INS Tarkash, Brazil’s BNS Barroso and South Africa’s SAS Amatola, SAS King Sekhukhune I and SAS Adam Kok III. SAS Manthatisi also formed part of the exercise, adding a submarine element to the participating force. The presence of different platforms provided the setting for cooperation across several aspects of maritime activity. During the visitors’ programme, ships, helicopters and personnel contributed to a collective demonstration of capability. Their participation highlighted the importance of communication and coordination when naval forces operate alongside international partners, particularly where differences in platforms and national procedures must be accommodated during training.
Aviation featured prominently, with an Indian Navy Alouette III helicopter, Oryx and Super Lynx helicopters, and Gripen fighter aircraft contributing to the display. Their presence demonstrated the connection between maritime operations and aviation support, broadening the programme beyond the ships themselves. For those observing, the combination of surface vessels and aircraft offered a tangible illustration of the planning and coordination involved in activities at sea. The showcase also placed personnel at the centre of the exercise: equipment provides the capability, but its effective employment depends on trained crews, clear communication and an understanding of how partner forces work together operationally.
Conducted under the theme “Stronger Together Towards a Shared Future in the Maritime Domain”, IBSAMAR IX emphasised the value of sustained engagement between the three navies. Practical training and professional exchanges provide opportunities to build familiarity that extends beyond a single demonstration or ceremonial event. The Distinguished Visitors Day therefore served both as a showcase and as a reflection of the relationships developed throughout the sea phase. The official closing ceremony is scheduled for 20 October 2026 at Naval Base Simon’s Town, bringing the multinational engagement to its conclusion and formally marking the end of this edition of the exercise.
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