New Delhi, May 23 (IANS): Indigenously-built guided missile stealth frigate INS Satpura and anti-submarine corvette INS Kamrota are participating in SIMBEX-15, a bilateral naval exercise with Singapore, a statement said on Saturday.

SIMBEX-15 will be held between May 23-26, 2015.

The frigate and corvette is on operational deployment in the South China Sea and south Indian Ocean.

The annual bilateral exercise SIMBEX started in 1999.

"Since its inception, SIMBEX has grown in tactical and operational complexity," said an official statement.

"It has transcended the traditional emphasis on anti-submarine warfare to more complex maritime exercises involving various facets of naval operations such as air defence, air and surface practice firing, maritime security and search and rescue."

Representing the Republic of Singapore Navy will be the ship Supreme and submarine Archer along with maritime patrol aircraft and fighter aircraft.

Along with Satpura and Kamrota, Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Anti Submarine (LRMRASW) aircraft P 8I will also participate in the exercise.

The port visit of these naval ships to Singapore also coincided with the commemoration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore.

"This visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing inter-operability between navies of the two friendly nations," the statement added.

"During the stay in harbour, various activities were conducted, namely, official calls, reception on board, ship open to visitors, guided tours for Indian naval personnel and professional interaction between personnel of both the navies."