Singapore and US Armies Conclude Exercise Lightning Strike

Soldiers from the Singapore and US Armies taking a group photo upon completion of their mission.

Exercise Lightning Strike (XLS) 2023, an annual bilateral exercise between the Singapore Army and United States (US) Army, was successfully conducted in National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, California from 2 to 17 September 2023. The exercise involved approximately 800 soldiers from the SAF's Headquarters 3rd Singapore Infantry Brigade (HQ 3 SIB), 2nd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (2 SIR), and the US Army's 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, and 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment of the 4th Infantry Division (ID).

The exercise culminated in a joint battalion-level integrated assault on an urban objective, deploying Close Quarter Battle tactics. The Singapore Army soldiers honed their light and motorised competencies by training alongside their US counterparts in the US Stryker Combat Vehicles. SAF personnel also participated as observers in a combined arms brigade planning. Commander 3 SIB, COL Fan Mun Poh, who visited the troops during the exercise, said, "Since its conception in 1996, Exercise Lightning Strike has allowed both Armies to conduct professional exchanges on tactics, techniques, and procedures. This demonstrates the long-lasting relationship between the US and Singapore Armies. This year, our involvement as part of the 1st Stryker Bde Combat Team Command Post Planning and 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment Battalion Field Training Exercise underscores the strong commitment of both Armies to enhance interoperability, training and readiness, and knowledge sharing."

Inaugurated in 1996, Exercise Lightning Strike is held in Singapore and the US on a rotational basis. The exercise allows both armies to share tactics, techniques and procedures, and is a hallmark of the excellent ties between both armies.

The Singapore and US Armies interact extensively through exercises, professional exchanges and the cross-attendance of courses. These interactions have enhanced the professionalism, personal rapport and interoperability between both armed forces, as well as reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and the US.

Soldiers from both armies participating in the Map Planning Exercise.