SAF Concludes Participation in Multinational Exercise Cobra Gold 2024 in Thailand

Representatives from the participating countries at the opening ceremony of Exercise Cobra Gold 2024 (XCG24).

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) participated in the multinational Exercise Cobra Gold (XCG) from 26 February to 8 March 2024. Held in Rayong Province, Thailand, the exercise was co-hosted by the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (US INDOPACOM). This year marks the 43rd iteration of the exercise and the SAF's 25th year of participation.

The exercise focused on combined joint-operations to deal with traditional and non-traditional threats, as well as the planning and coordination for a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operation. As part of a Cyber Defence Exercise, an eight-member team from the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) conducted Incident Handling and Response by defending a network in simulated scenarios.

Led by Commander 9th Singapore Division / Chief Infantry Officer, COL Wong Shi Ming, the 61-member SAF delegation undertook various roles alongside counterparts from the participating nations, including key exercise appointments within the Multinational Combined Task Force setup. A five-member team made up of combat engineers from the Singapore Army also participated in the multinational Engineer Civic Assistance Programme to construct a masonry building for Ban Praket School in Chantaburi province, Thailand.

XCG is one of the largest multinational exercises in the Asia-Pacific region, promoting mutual understanding, friendship and professionalism amongst the participating armed forces. The SAF has been a full participant of the XCG series since 2000. 

Captain (Dr) Marcus Seah (centre), Medical Officer, directing the multilateral team during the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief demonstration.

Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) personnel participating in the Cyber Defence Exercise.

XCG24 participants working together to construct a multi-purpose building for Ban Praket School as part of the Engineer Civic Assistance Programme.

XCG24 participants at the Closing Ceremony.