MUARA, Thursday, 12 August 2021 – The Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) and Indian Navy (IN) has successfully conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the Brunei EEZ participated by 3 ships; KDB DARULEHSAN captained by Commander Pg Mohd Faren bin Pg Mohd Noor, RBN, INS SHIVALIK (Multi-role Guided Missile Stealth Frigate) captained by Captain Kapil Mehta and INS KADMATT (Anti-Submarine Corvette) captained by Commander R K Maharana from the IN.
In compliance with the COVID-19 guidelines from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), contactless planning was conducted virtually to ensure the planned serials are safely executed prior to the PASSEX. A series of communication and maneuvering exercises were planned to provide an opportunity for all officers and crew from both navies to exercise interoperability while operating at sea.
On the execution phase, KDB DARULEHSAN together with INS SHIVALIK and INS KADMATT transited through Brunei territorial waters while successfully conducting PASSEX. The event concluded with a sail past and both navies piping the side to bid farewell to each other.
The contactless PASSEX conducted provides an opportunity for all crew and officers to practice their drills whilst performing the serials. Both captains expressed satisfaction with the exercises and expressed interest in having more opportunities to strengthen naval ties in the future. This will further ensure interoperability between RBN and IN through naval experience sharing and contactless interactions.
