Warships from India and Brazil are arriving in South Africa for the ninth edition of Exercise Ibsamar, a multinational maritime engagement centered around the Simon’s Town and False Bay areas of the Western Cape. DefenceWeb reported that South Africa is serving as host while India acts as the lead nation for the drills running from October 8 to 21, 2026.
The Brazilian Navy Arrival and Vessel Specifications
The Brazilian Navy’s Inhauma-class corvette CV Barroso (V34) docked in Simon’s Town on October 8. Launched in 2002 and commissioned in 2008, the 103-metre vessel displaces over 2,300 tons at full load. The warship relies on a single General Electric LM2500 gas turbine for high-speed operations reaching 30 knots, alongside two MTU 1163 diesel engines for economical cruising.
Defense capabilities on the CV Barroso include Mk 46 torpedoes and a 114 mm Vickers Mk 8 gun, which supplies naval gunfire and limited anti-aircraft functionality. Exocet missiles serve as the primary long-range anti-surface weapon, backed by a 40 mm Bofors for close-range defense. A stern flight deck and hangar accommodate a single Super Lynx medium naval helicopter.
The corvette has historical ties to the region. The vessel previously participated in Exercise Ibsamar IV in 2014 and Exercise Atlasur IX in 2012.
The Indian Navy Contribution and Regional Deployments
The Indian Navy guided missile stealth frigate INS Tarkash (F50) represents India’s primary asset for Exercise Ibsamar IX, accompanied by a Chetak helicopter and a special forces team. Commissioned in November 2012, the 125-metre, 3,700-tonne Tarkash is the second of three Teg-class stealth frigates acquired from Russia. Manned by 300 crew members, the frigate carries anti-ship, anti-air, and anti-submarine weaponry, including the supersonic BrahMos missile, a 100 mm naval gun, an optically controlled 30 mm Close-In Weapon System, torpedoes, and rockets.
The INS Tarkash transited to South Africa from Kenya, where it called at Mombasa for several days starting September 29. That port visit concluded with a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) involving the INS Tarkash and Kenya Navy Ship Jasiri off Mombasa. The deployment followed a visit by INS Trikand to Mombasa in April, marking the second Indian Navy ship visit to Kenya in 2026.
Maiden Indian and Kenyan Navy staff talks took place in Mombasa from October 5 to 7. Discussions centered on enhancing operational engagements, training exchanges, maritime security, and professional interactions to deepen bilateral naval cooperation.
Earlier in the deployment cycle, the INS Tarkash stopped in Port Victoria, Seychelles, in mid-June to reinforce maritime partnerships.
Exercise Objectives and Operational Schedule
According to the SA Navy, Exercise Ibsamar aims to strengthen interoperability, professional cooperation, and maritime security among the three participating nations. First conducted in South Africa in May 2008, the longstanding engagement provides a platform to plan, coordinate, and execute combined maritime activities in a multinational environment.
The 2026 exercise features both harbour and sea phases across Simon’s Town and False Bay, encompassing training serials and joint operations. As part of the ceremonial welcome, 21 Gun Salutes are scheduled to be fired from the Lower North Battery on October 8 and 11 between 08:00 and 12:00, prompting notices for residents in Simon’s Town, False Bay, and Fish Hoek.
| Vessel Name | Nation | Class / Type | Length | Key Armament |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CV Barroso (V34) | Brazil | Inhauma-class Corvette | 103 metres | Exocet missiles, 114 mm Vickers gun, Mk 46 torpedoes |
| INS Tarkash (F50) | India | Teg-class Stealth Frigate | 125 metres | BrahMos supersonic missiles, 100 mm gun, torpedoes |
The previous iteration, Exercise Ibsamar VIII, took place in October 2024 with participation from the Indian Navy’s INS Talwar, the South African Navy’s SAS Amatola, and the Brazilian Navy’s BNS Defensora. The exercise rotates leadership biennially among India, Brazil, and South Africa, while South Africa serves as the permanent host owing to its strategic geographical position.
