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Ministry of Defence
News Releases

Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command Makes Introductory Visit to Singapore

22 January 2026

The Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (US INDOPACOM) Admiral (ADM) Samuel Paparo called on Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing this morning at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).

Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command Admiral (ADM) Samuel Paparo (left) calling on Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing (right) earlier today.
Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command Admiral (ADM) Samuel Paparo (left) calling on Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing (right) earlier today.

The Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (US INDOPACOM) Admiral (ADM) Samuel Paparo called on Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing this morning at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF). During their meeting, Mr Chan and ADM Paparo reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and the US. They also discussed efforts to enhance defence cooperation, including between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the US military.  

ADM Paparo is in Singapore from 21 to 24 January 2026 for his introductory visit. He also called on Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, after inspecting the Guard of Honour at MINDEF earlier today. As part of his visit, ADM Paparo also visited Changi Naval Base, where he was briefed on the developments of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), including the RSN’s unmanned capabilities. ADM Paparo will also visit SAFTI City, where he will receive briefings on how SAFTI City enables more realistic and effective training through smart instrumentation and battlefield effects simulators, to allow our soldiers to employ equipment and concepts in line with the latest shifts in the modern battlefield. 

ADM Paparo's visit underscores the excellent and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and the US. The two defence establishments interact regularly through high-level visits, professional exchanges, cross-attendance of courses and seminars, as well as numerous exercises. These include the bilateral Exercise Tiger Balm, and the multinational Exercise Cobra Gold. These mutually beneficial interactions have enhanced professionalism, strengthened cooperation, and forged strong camaraderie among the personnel of both defence establishments. 

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