Minister for Defence met with New Zealand Minister of Defence Judith Collins KC

Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing met with New Zealand Minister of Defence Judith Collins KC earlier today in Auckland, New Zealand.

Mr Chan presented a gift to Minister Collins during the meeting.

Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing met with New Zealand Minister of Defence Judith Collins KC earlier today in Auckland, New Zealand.

Both Ministers reaffirmed the close and long-standing bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and New Zealand. During the meeting, Mr Chan and Minister Collins reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthen and deepen bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation, in line with the upgrade of diplomatic relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They also discussed plans to embark on forward-looking areas of defence cooperation, in areas such as unmanned technologies.

Mr Chan expressed appreciation for Minister Collins' strong support for the SAF's training in New Zealand, including the RSAF’s inaugural Orbiter-4 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle training detachment at the Tekapo Military Training Area in April 2025, and Exercise Thunder Warrior, which has taken place since 1997 at the Waiouru Military Training Area. The Ministers also exchanged views on a range of international and regional security issues.

The meeting underscores the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and New Zealand. Both defence establishments have extensive interactions, such as high-level visits, cross-attendance of courses, and professional exchanges. These mutually beneficial interactions have strengthened people-to-people ties and fostered trust between personnel of both defence establishments.

Mr Chan was in Auckland, New Zealand as part of Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Mr Lawrence Wong’s delegation for his introductory visit to New Zealand from 9 to 11 October 2025.