SAF Participates in Exercise Suman Warrior 2024

Commanding Officer of 703rd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (703SIR), LTC Colin Yew (first from left) joining representatives of other FPDA nations at the opening ceremony of Exercise Suman Warrior 2024 in Wiltshire, United Kingdom.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) participated in the 32nd edition of Exercise Suman Warrior (XSW), a Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) land-focused exercise. This year’s edition was hosted by the British Armed Forces in Warminster, Wiltshire, United Kingdom, from 9 to 22 September 2024. The Brigade Command Post Exercise (CPX) involved participants from Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom. The exercise focused on conventional operations and provided participants the opportunity to practise command, staff, and logistics procedures within a combined operation mission context.

This year’s 28-man SAF delegation was led by LTC Colin Yew, Commanding Officer of 703rd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment. He said, “Exercise Suman Warrior continues to provide an invaluable platform for professional interaction and knowledge exchange between the FPDA land forces. Working closely together during the exercise allowed us to enhance interoperability and build strong friendships.”

Established in 1971, the FPDA continually adapts to remain relevant and effective in an increasingly complex regional security environment. In addition to Exercise Suman Warrior, the SAF regularly participates in other FPDA exercises such as Exercise Bersama Lima and Exercise Bersama Shield. Through these FPDA exercises, the SAF demonstrates its commitment to contributing constructively to the regional security architecture.

Participants from the FPDA armies coordinating the details of the operation plan for the Battle Group Exercise.

Participants from the FPDA armies in a discussion during the exercise training session.