Singapore and India Conduct Bilateral Armour Exercise

The Singapore Army's Infantry Fighting Vehicles and Indian Army's Main Battle Tanks during the integrated live-firing at Exercise Bold Kurukshetra.

The Singapore Army and the Indian Army (IA) participated in Exercise Bold Kurukshetra, a bilateral armour exercise. This year's exercise was held from 2 to 13 Apr at Babina Field Firing Range in Central India, and is the twelfth in the series. The exercise involved approximately 270 soldiers from the Singapore Army and IA. As part of the exercise, the two armies participated in integrated manoeuvres, exercise planning and training. 

The highlight of this year's exercise was the integrated live-firing involving the Singapore Army's Infantry Fighting Vehicles and IA's Main Battle Tanks and Infantry Fighting Vehicles. Senior commanders from both countries, including the Singapore Army's Commander, Army Training and Doctrine Command, Brigadier-General Ng Ying Thong and the Indian Army's Deputy General Officer Commanding, 31 Armoured Division, Brigadier-General Tejvir Singh Mundi witnessed the live-firing and interacted with the participating troops from both countries. Commenting on the exercise, Commander 8th Singapore Armoured Brigade, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Dean Yik said, "The training here has allowed our armour units to hone their operational skills and competencies in a realistic live-firing environment. More importantly, the opportunity to work together with the Indian Army in professional exchanges and joint training has enhanced our mutual understanding and cooperation." 

Exercise Bold Kurukshetra is conducted under the ambit of the Bilateral Agreement for Joint Army Training and Exercises between the Singapore Army and Indian Army. This exercise underscores the strong and long-standing bilateral defence relationship between both countries, and enhances cooperation between the two armies. Both defence establishments also interact regularly through high-level visits, policy dialogues, courses, and other professional exchanges.

The Singapore Army's Commanding Officer, 42nd Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Tang Chong Kiat (right) with the Indian Army's Commanding Officer 7 Guards, Colonel Sukhjinder Paul Singh, at the opening ceremony of Exercise Bold Kurukshetra.