SAF Participates in Multilateral Exercise in Thailand

Ambassadors and representatives from the participating countries exchanging handshakes at the opening ceremony of Exercise Cobra Gold 2013.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), together with the United States Pacific Command (US PACOM), Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF), Japan Self-Defense Force, the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, Indonesian National Defence Forces, and Malaysian Armed Forces, is participating in Exercise Cobra Gold from 11 to 21 February 2013 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This year's multilateral exercise, the 32nd in the series, focuses on peace support and stability operations.

The 48-member SAF contingent participating in this year’s exercise will be led by Commander 9th Division Brigadier-General Chia Choon Hoong. The SAF personnel will undertake the role of staff planners for the Multinational Combined Task Force, alongside their counterparts from the other participating nations. On the sidelines of the exercise, an SAF team, together with the US PACOM and the RTARF, will construct a multipurpose hall and sanitation facilities for the local population under a civic action programme.

Exercise Cobra Gold promotes mutual understanding, friendship and professionalism among the personnel of the participating armed forces. Representatives from ten other countries are also involved in this year's exercise as observers. The SAF has been a full participant of this multilateral exercise since 2000.