Joint Press Statement from 22nd Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) Defence Chiefs' Conference

The Defence Chiefs of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) member nations convened in Kuala Lumpur, for the 22^nd FPDA Defence Chiefs' Conference (FDCC) on 3 October 2023, hosted by Malaysia. The FDCC, which is hosted alternately between Malaysia and Singapore, serves as the premier platform for dialogue and collaboration among Defence Chiefs within the FPDA framework. Singapore hosted the previous conference in 2022.

Chaired by General Tan Sri Datuk Seri Mohammad bin Ab Rahman, Chief of Defence Force of Malaysia, the 22^nd FDCC saw participation from General Angus Campbell, Chief of Defence Force of Australia; Air Marshal Kevin Short, Chief of Defence Force of New Zealand; Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, Chief of Defence Force of Singapore; and General Gwyn Jenkins, Vice Chief of Defence Staff of the United Kingdom.

During the conference, the Defence Chiefs reaffirmed their commitment to the FPDA and its founding principles, emphasising its continued relevance and defensive nature while evolving at a comfortable pace for all. The Defence Chiefs also emphasised the importance of the '3Rs' (Remit, Relevance, and Reassurance), which guides the FPDA's development and future outlook. Additionally, they underscored the FPDA's significance as a transparent, constructive, and peace-promoting arrangement within the regional security architecture.

The FPDA continues to stay relevant by adapting to evolving security challenges, reinforcing its operational value in conventional spheres while also developing capabilities in maritime security, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and cyber and information domains. The development of the FPDA observer programme has also enabled regional nations to understand and observe FPDA exercises.

Acknowledging the need for flexibility and adaptability in response to dynamic security landscapes, the Defence Chiefs discussed strategies to enhance exercise designs and complexity. The successful execution of Exercise BERSAMA SHIELD 2023 and the positive outlook towards Exercise BERSAMA LIMA 2023 exemplify the unity and strength of the FPDA.

The conference commenced with a briefing from the Malaysian Defence Intelligence Organisation regarding the prevailing regional security environment and updates on FPDA activities and exercises since 2022. Air Vice Marshal Geoffrey Harland, Commander of Headquarters Integrated Area Defence System (HQIADS), provided insights into HQIADS' development and exercise conduct.

Central to the conference discussions was the issuance of the FPDA Exercise Concept Directive 2023 and the deliberation of a five-year roadmap for the FPDA's advancement. This directive and roadmap will guide the evolution of FPDA exercises and initiatives, enhancing its capacity for both conventional and non-conventional operations. Additionally, they will improve interoperability and deepen interactions among the armed forces of FPDA member nations.

Tomorrow, the CDFs will witness the commencement of Exercise BERSAMA LIMA 2023 at Joint Force HQ Kuantan. As a major Field Training and Command Post Exercise in the FPDA's annual training cycle, the exercise will encompass the Land, Maritime, and Air domains, showcasing collective participation from all member nations and HQIADS.

The Defence Chiefs express their commendation for the successful convening of the 22^nd FDCC and look forward to continued collaboration within the FPDA framework.