Brazil India & South Africa launch IBSAMAR VIII naval exercise in South African waters.

According to information published by the Brazilian MoD on October 10, 2024, the Brazilian Navy officially began the "IBSAMAR VIII" operation with the arrival of the frigate Defensora at Simon's Town, a major South African port city.
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Indian Navy's Talwar-class frigate INS Talwar and Brazilian Navy Niteroi-class frigate Defensora. (Picture source: South African MoD)

This multinational naval exercise involves the coordinated efforts of Brazil, India, and South Africa, with each country contributing advanced maritime assets and personnel. Brazil's task group includes the Defensora, equipped with its onboard AH-11B Super Lynx helicopter, and a Combat Diver Detachment.

The Indian Navy is participating with its frigate Talwar, while South Africa has deployed the frigate Amatola. Each ship is accompanied by its respective aircraft and combat divers, enhancing the operational complexity of the joint exercise. During the first phase, which concluded on Wednesday, diplomatic commitments were established, and high-level planning meetings were conducted with local and Indian authorities. These engagements, held at the Simon's Town Naval Base, further solidified the strong ties among the three participating navies.

A key moment of the initial phase was the signing of the Implementing Arrangement by Captain S. M. Majozi of the South African Navy, Brazil's Defense Attaché in South Africa, and India's Naval Attaché. This document outlines the procedures and responsibilities for the ongoing operation, ensuring seamless collaboration.

Following these preparatory events, the second phase commenced on Thursday as the ships set sail for a series of coordinated exercises at sea. This phase will include tactical maneuvers, joint boarding operations involving combat divers from Brazil and India, and drills simulating transits through multi-threat environments. Additionally, joint air operations will be conducted using aircraft from the participating countries.

IBSAMAR, a biennial exercise initiated in 2008, rotates between the coasts of India and South Africa. Over the years, Brazil has deployed various ships to the exercise, including the frigates Independência and Niterói, the corvette Barroso, and the offshore patrol vessel Amazonas.

Why is Russia not part of it?

Russia does not participate in the IBSAMAR naval exercises because it is not part of the IBSA Dialogue Forum, which forms the core of this trilateral initiative.

IBSAMAR, an abbreviation for India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime, was established in 2008 as part of a broader effort to strengthen military and strategic ties between these three nations. Russia is involved in other multilateral exercises and partnerships but does not fit into the specific political and strategic framework that underpins IBSAMAR.

Russia’s global military alliances, especially its close relations with China and involvement in other exercises, such as those with the BRICS framework or its joint drills with China and Iran, follow different strategic objectives.