SAF Participates in Exercise Suman Warrior 2013

SAF delegation leader LTC Joseph Lin (second from left) and delegation sergeant major 3rd Warrant Officer Suffian Bin Amin (far left) joining hands with representatives of the other FPDA nations at Exercise Suman Warrior 2013.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is participating in the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) land exercise, codenamed Suman Warrior, from 13 to 25 October 2013 in Townsville, Australia. This year's exercise is hosted by the Australian Defence Force and involves about 35 SAF personnel and over 150 personnel from the other four FPDA countries - Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and United Kingdom.

This year's exercise, the 23rd in the series, is a command post exercise involving the FPDA armies in a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operation.

Exercise Suman Warrior aims to enhance interoperability among the FPDA armies and also provides an opportunity for the participants to exchange professional expertise. Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion Singapore Guards Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Joseph Lin, who is leading the SAF delegation in this year's exercise, said: "Exercise Suman Warrior 2013 helps to enhance mutual understanding and collaboration between the SAF and the other FPDA armies through the conduct of a brigade-level, multinational exercise. It also strengthens our defence relationships with them."

Formed in 1971, the FPDA plays an important role in the regional security architecture. The SAF's regular participation in the FPDA exercises is testament to Singapore’s strong commitment to the FPDA.