SAF Strengthens International Partnerships at Exercise Super Garuda Shield 2023

Army personnel participating in the field training phase of Exercise Super Garuda Shield (XSGS).

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) concluded its participation in Exercise Super Garuda Shield 2023 (XSGS 23), which was held in Asembagus, Indonesia from 27 August to 13 September 2023. Co-hosted by the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), the multilateral exercise involved assets and personnel from seven participating countries.

Expressing appreciation for the strong friendship that the SAF shares with the TNI, INDOPACOM, and other participating militaries, and highlighting the value of participating in the joint exercise alongside fellow participating militaries, Director of Joint Operations, Brigadier-General Goh Pei Ming said, "Exercise Super Garuda Shield 2023 is a valuable opportunity to train alongside the TNI, INDOPACOM, and participating militaries in a large-scale multilateral, multi-service exercise. The joint exercises and exchanges enhance mutual understanding, cooperation, and strengthen the friendship amongst the participating armed forces."

Both the Singapore Army and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) took part in the exercise with troops and assets. The Singapore Army participated in a staff planning exercise that culminated in a combined arms live firing exercise with the Australian Army, INDOPACOM and TNI. The RSN participants comprised an Endurance-class Landing Ship Tank, RSS Endeavour, and a Victory-class Missile Corvette, RSS Vigour. They took part in a series of maritime serials that included manoeuvring, air defence, and gunnery firings in the waters off Surabaya, together with six ships from the Indonesian Navy and the United States Navy.

As a multilateral exercise involving various countries and services, XSGS 23 is an important platform to promote friendship, mutual understanding, and professional exchanges amongst the participating armed forces. This is the SAF's second year participating in XSGS.

Commander 3rd Singapore Division, Brigadier-General Cai Dexian (front row, extreme left) and representatives of participating armed forces attended the opening ceremony of XSGS on 31 August 2023.

Army personnel participating in the brigade staff planning component of XSGS.

Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) ships, RSS Vigour and RSS Endeavour, sailing together with ships from the Indonesian Navy and United States Navy as part of the maritime component of XSGS. Photo credit: Indonesian Navy

An RSN personnel giving a deck familiarisation briefing for crews of the Indonesian Navy and United States Navy aboard RSS Endeavour in preparation for the helicopter cross-deck landing at sea.