The business part of the tri-nation naval exercise Ibsamar IV is set to start on October 27 when the fleet moves into the sea phase.
Prior to this, ships from the Brazilian, Indian and South African navies will be alongside in Simon’s Town preparing for the two sea phases and an operation that makes up the inter-operability and mutual understanding aspects of the exercise.
As host, the SA Navy will have the Valour Class frigate SAS Spioenkop, the Heroine Class submarine SAS Manthatisi, the mine countermeasures vessel SAS Umhloti and an as yet unnamed offshore patrol vessel taking part. Spioenkop will also have a Super Lynx 300 operated by 22 Squadron aboard for the sea phases of Ibsamar.
Drills and manoeuvres expected to form part of Ibsamar include anti-submarine warfare; visit, board, search and seizure and replenishment at sea (RAS).
Other SA Air Force (SAAF) elements assigned to Ibsamar are a pair of 22 Squadron Oryx, a 28 Squadron C-130BZ, a 35 Squadron C-47TP, a PC-7 from Central Flying School at AFB Langebaanweg and “two fighter aircraft” from AFB Makhado. The Navy has not yet specified whether they will be Gripens or Hawks.
The Navy’s Maritime Reaction Squadron (MRS) will also be involved as will elements of the Special Forces.
The Indian Navy guided missile frigate INS Teg will deploy to South Africa for Ibsamar after being part of a flotilla visiting “friendly nations in east Africa,” according to The Asian Age.
Other Indian Navy vessels on this month-long deployment are the destroyer INS Mumbai, fleet replenishment tanker INS Deepak and a second guided missile frigate INS Talwar.
Countries on the Indian Navy flotilla’s visiting list are Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzanian, Reunion, Mauritius and Mozambique, with South Africa being the extra stop for Teg.
The Indian contingent for Ibsamar will number around 250 and will include, apart from the ship’s company, a Special Forces team and a maritime helicopter with the necessary aircrew and support personnel.
The Brazilian component is expected to be around 200 strong on a frigate platform with a maritime helicopter and Special Forces detachment.
The Indian and Brazilian ships are expected to port in Simon’s town on October 20 with post exercise demobilisation set for November 10 to 14.
