Singapore Navy Participates in International Fleet Review in Japan

Crew of RSS Formidable saluting the Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida on the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF)'s JS Izumo as he reviewed ships participating in JMSDF's International Fleet Review (IFR).

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s Formidable-class Frigate RSS Formidable participated in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF)'s International Fleet Review (IFR) from 1 to 7 November in Yokosuka, Japan. RSS Formidable joined 38 ships from 13 countries  to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the JMSDF.

The key activities of the IFR included a city parade in Yokosuka on 3 November where RSN personnel marched together with participating navies, and the review of the participating fleet in a sail-past by Japan Prime Minister Kishida Fumio on 6 November. RSS Formidable also took part in a JMSDF-led multilateral search and rescue exercise.

Commanding Officer of RSS Formidable Lieutenant Colonel Koh Mao Jiang highlighted how the IFR has helped to strengthen ties among participating navies. He said, "The IFR provides us with a good opportunity to interact with navies from around the world. The JMSDF is also a close friend to the RSN and RSS Formidable is honoured to be in Japan to represent the RSN in the JMSDF's 70th anniversary celebrations."

Held in conjunction with the IFR, the 18th Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) is being conducted on 7 and 8 November 2022. Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Aaron Beng is attending the WPNS with other senior naval commanders and representatives from more than 25 countries . The WPNS is a series of dialogues on maritime issues to promote stronger cooperation and understanding among its members.

The RSN's participation in the JMSDF-hosted IFR and WPNS underscores the warm and friendly bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and Japan. Both militaries interact regularly through visits, port calls, policy dialogues, military staff talks, and cross-attendance of professional courses and seminars.

RSS Formidable being welcomed by JMSDF personnel in Yokosuka, Japan.

Singapore’s Chief of Navy RADM Aaron Beng (back row, fifth from left) attending the Western Pacific Naval Symposium with other senior naval commanders and representatives.