India, Brazil, and South Africa are hailing recent military drills between their three navies. The last exercise was held two years ago. South Africa is hosting this round at its flagship naval base near Cape Town.  Rene Del Carme has more.  

Although South Africa is the host nation - the Brazilian Navy, sailing in its most modern ship - the BNS Barroso - is the lead navy for Exercise Ibsamar Vl 2018.

The trilateral exercise is aimed at enhancing the interoperability between the Indian, Brazilian and South African Navies, as Southern, Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean Region counterparts. And is a chance to brush up on each other's Standard Operating Procedures.  

COMMANDER ABDUL SAYED EXECUTIVE OFFICER, SAS AMATOLA "Thus far it's going very well. We're looking forward to a very promising exercise, where we will be able to exercise the SOPs and to prove the SOPs that we currently have in place and improve upon them. As well as simultaneously training future combat officers, navigators, submarine commanders etc.  

During this Sixth Edition of Exercise Ibsamar, much emphasis is being placed on sharing ideas and tactics to improve anti-piracy measures. Such as simulating this fast incoming attack craft operation.

COMMANDER ABDUL SAYED EXECUTIVE OFFICER, SAS AMATOLA "The procedure that you witnessed today, is where we mobilize our guns teams and weapons teams in order to deter, neutralize or if the circumstances arise, to destroy the threat against us. We are focusing this year primarily on the combating of piracy as well as also looking at three-dimensional warfare, anti-air warfare exercises, anti-submarine exercises as well as anti-surface warfare exercises."  

They also conducted a simulated replenishment at sea exercise as a unique training opportunity for sailors, engineers and other personnel from the three navies to improve communication with each other.

COMMANDER ABDUL SAYED EXECUTIVE OFFICER, SAS AMATOLA "It's customary when we exercise with foreign navies that we conduct a cross-pollination of crew. That would be in the form of sending some officers across. And us receiving some officers. We have currently on board members of the Brazilian as well as the Indian Navy. And so far, they're loving every moment on board the SAS Amatola."      

RENE DEL CARME SIMON'S TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA "After two days out at sea, the six vessels will return alongside Simon's Town Naval Base for the second harbour phase of the exercise. This will be followed by a second sea phase before Exercise Ibsamar Vl ends next week. Rene Del Carme, CGTN, Simon's Town, Near Cape Town, South Africa."