SAF Participates in Exercise Suman Warrior 2014

Participants from the FPDA armies working together during the exercise.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) participated in the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) command post exercise, codenamed Exercise Suman Warrior, from 15 to 25 September 2014 in Palmerston North, New Zealand. Hosted by the New Zealand Defence Force, the exercise involved 27 SAF personnel and over 120 personnel from Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

The exercise, the 24th in the series, aims to enhance interoperability among the FPDA armies, and provides an opportunity for participants to exchange professional expertise. Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Goh Pei Ming led the SAF's delegation this year. He said, "Exercise Suman Warrior provides many opportunities for our soldiers to enhance their interoperability with their FPDA counterparts and to further their professional learning. Our soldiers benefitted from working with their foreign counterparts as they were able to build professional networks and personal friendships with the exercise participants."Formed in 1971, the FPDA plays an important role in the regional security architecture, continually adapting to remain relevant in the face of an evolving regional security environment. The SAF's regular participation in FPDA exercises is testament to Singapore's strong commitment to the FPDA.