Singapore Navy Enhances Interoperability with 26 Other Navies in Exercise Kakadu

Participating navies, including the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), sailing in formation during Exercise Kakadu 2018. (Photo courtesy of the Royal Australian Navy)

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) deployed its Victory-class missile corvettes RSS Valiant and RSS Vigour to participate in the multilateral Exercise Kakadu. The exercise was held in the Northern Australian Exercise Area off the coast of Darwin, Australia from 30 August to 14 September 2018. Hosted by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), this year's exercise saw the participation of 23 ships, one submarine, 21 aircraft, and more than 3,000 personnel from 27 countries. This is the largest in scale of the exercise series to date. The participating countries include Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Cook Islands, Fiji, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, People's Republic of China, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor Leste, Tonga, United Arab Emirates, United States, and Vietnam. 

The shore phase of the exercise was held from 30 August to 5 September 2018. It included joint exercise planning by the participants and the Fleet Commanders' Conference where RSN Fleet Commander, Rear-Admiral Edwin Leong, joined his counterparts and their representatives to discuss ways to strengthen regional cooperation in the maritime domain. During the sea phase of the exercise from 6 to 13 September 2018, the participating navies conducted surface warfare serials such as gunnery firing and manoeuvring exercises, and air defence exercises against fighter aircraft.

After the exercise closing ceremony, Commanding Officer of RSS Valiant, Lieutenant Colonel Tan Say Yong said, "This year's exercise sees the highest numbers of participating assets and personnel since Exercise Kakadu began in 1993. The exercise serves as a platform for like-minded navies to work together to enhance practical cooperation in dealing with conventional and maritime security threats.”

This year's Exercise Kakadu is the 14th in the series. The biennial exercise provides a valuable opportunity for navies in the region to strengthen interoperability and promote mutual trust. Exercise Kakadu also underscores the good working relationship and professional cooperation among the participating navies.

RSN Fleet Commander Rear-Admiral (RADM) Edwin Leong sharing best practices for strengthening regional cooperation in the maritime domain during the Fleet Commanders' Conference on 1 September 2018.

Commanding Officer RSS Valiant Lieutenant Colonel Tan Say Yong (right) receiving a commemorative gift from Fleet Commander of the Royal Australian Navy RADM Jonathan Mead (left) at the closing ceremony of Exercise Kakadu 2018.

Exercise participants from the Royal Australian Navy visiting RSS Valiant during the exercise.

RSN personnel interacting with the other exercise participants.