SINGAPORE (Commonwealth Union)_ The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) engaged in the bilateral maritime exercise, Exercise Singaroo, in the Northern Australia Exercise Area off Darwin. The RSN sent a Formidable-class frigate RSS Steadfast with an onboard Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval chopper along with a Victory-class missile corvette RSS Valour, while the RAN contributed a Hobart-class destroyer HMAS Hobart with an onboard MH-60R helicopter.
Officials and assets from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)’s Darwin Detachment 2022 took part in the exercise with fighter aircraft F-15SG and F-16D+, a Gulfstream G550 Airborne Early Warning aircraft, and an A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport. During the exercise, the RSN and RAN performed a number of naval combat training, including air defense practice, maneuver drills, and communication drills. This year’s exercise also gave enough opportunity for combined sea-air training, thereby enhancing interoperability between the RSN and RSAF. According to Rear Admiral Jonathan Earley, Commander of the Australian Fleet, the long-term exercise was a proof of the growing interoperability between the two nations’ armed forces.
Colonel Ng Yen Meng, commander of the 8th Flotilla, emphasized the significance of Exercise Singaroo in fostering greater collaboration between both fleets. He said: “Exercise Singaroo is the mainstay exercise for the RSN and RAN. The exercise provides both navies with the opportunity to deepen professional sharing, learn from one another and strengthen our friendships.” This year highlights the 21st edition of Exercise Singaroo, which began in 1995. Exercise Singaroo is among the several bilateral military exchanges between the Singapore Armed Forces and the Australian Defense Force. The exercise highlights the long-term strong defense ties between Singapore and Australia. The two armed forces meet often through multilateral exercises, high-level visits, regular discussions, professional exchanges, and cross-attendance at courses.
