Fact Sheet: Australia-Singapore Memorandum of Understanding concerning Enhanced Defence Cooperation

The Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Australian Department of Defence (ADoD) signed the Memorandum of Understanding concerning Enhanced Defence Cooperation (eDC MOU) during Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing’s working visit to Australia from 4 to 9 October 2025. The eDC MOU was signed by Mr Chan and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Mr Richard Marles, ahead of the launch of the Australia-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership 2.0 by Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Mr Lawrence Wong and Australian Prime Minister Mr Anthony Albanese.

The eDC MOU is a balanced and mutually beneficial package that reaffirms the close and longstanding defence ties between Singapore and Australia. It provides an ambitious and forward-looking framework for both countries to strengthen defence cooperation in existing and new strategic areas. The eDC MOU builds on the longstanding defence cooperation between Singapore and Australia under the ambit of the 2008 Memorandum of Understanding concerning Defence Cooperation.

Enhanced ADF Access in and through Singapore

Singapore will enhance the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) access in and through Singapore.

This initiative builds on Singapore’s existing support for Australia’s longstanding presence in Singapore since the formation of the Five Power Defence Arrangements in 1971. This support is anchored on the shared belief that Australia’s presence is vital to our region’s peace, stability and security. As Australia seeks to step up its presence in our region, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will support more frequent port calls and stopovers by the ADF’s vessels and aircraft.

Increased SAF Access to Enhanced Training Areas and Facilities in Australia

Australia will increase the SAF’s access to enhanced training areas and facilities in Australia.

Building on the provisions of the Agreement concerning Military Training and Training Area Development in Australia, signed in 2020, Australia will increase provisions for the SAF’s annual unilateral training at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and Greenvale Training Area (GVTA).

We will work with Australia to establish a Rotational Fighter Training Detachment, which will allow the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to conduct unilateral fighter training.

Deepened Defence Science and Technology Cooperation

Singapore and Australia will step up collaboration in defence science and technology through a range of activities in areas of mutual interest. These include information exchanges, joint research initiatives, collaborative trials and experiments, as well as exchanges of scientific and engineering personnel.

Both countries will also continue to explore opportunities for science and technology demonstrations or integration trials during relevant bilateral exercises, including Exercise Trident. This joint effort will enhance science and technology capabilities that align with both countries’ defence technology priorities, and in turn enhance interoperability between the ADF and SAF.

Strengthened Cooperation in Defence Logistics and Supply Chains

Singapore and Australia will mutually enhance supply chain resilience through the establishment of a comprehensive bilateral arrangement. The arrangement will explore opportunities for both countries to cooperate in the areas of sustainment, production, and supply chain risk management.

Both countries will also enhance professional exchanges and strengthen linkages within their respective logistics ecosystem by expanding and systemising practical logistics support, enhancing defence logistics education and training programmes, and strengthening dialogue on defence logistics platforms and emerging areas.

Expanded Professional Defence Exchanges and Collaboration

Singapore and Australia will formalise collaboration in emerging areas, such as cyber and information. Both countries will also explore the conduct of exchanges in future warfighting concepts, joint collective training and modernisation. The SAF and ADF will also deepen people-to-people exchanges.

More Resources

Singapore and Australia Deepen Defence Cooperation