Singapore and Indonesian Navies Conduct Bilateral Exercise Eagle Indopura

RSN's Littoral Mission Vessel RSS Independence (foreground) with two GUSKAMLABAR Quick Reaction Force fast boats intercepting the "terrorist" at the new counter-terrorist exercise serial supported by TNI AL's KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda (background) at Ex Eagle Indopura.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) are conducting Exercise Eagle Indopura, from 19 to 27 April in Singapore and Surabaya, Indonesia. RSN Fleet Commander Colonel Edwin Leong officiated the opening ceremony at RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base on 19 April with TNI AL's Commander Sea Combat Task Force, Eastern Fleet Command First Admiral Rachmad Jayadi in attendance. The bilateral exercise aims to enhance the interoperability and professionalism of both navies through anti-surface and anti-air warfare serials, as well as maritime security serials. 

For the first time since inception, this year's exercise will feature a counter-terrorism serial in the maritime environment between the RSN’s Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) and the TNI AL's Western Fleet Sea Security Group, GUSKAMLABAR (GKBA). Both navies exercised information sharing and sense-making to enhance maritime awareness, and joint operational planning to provide effective responses for regional maritime security contingencies. During the serial, both headquarters collaborated effectively to deploy naval assets to disrupt a simulated terror attack threatening commercial shipping transiting through the Singapore Strait. 

This year, the RSN participated with a Formidable-class Frigate RSS Formidable, a Victory-class Missile Corvette RSS Valour, and for the first time, an Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessel RSS Independence. The TNI AL participated with two Diponegoro-class Frigates KRI Diponegoro (embarked with BO-105 helicopter) and KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda, a Kondor-class Patrol Craft KRI Pulau Rusa and Quick Reaction Force teams from GKBA, and a CN-235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft. 

Held since 1974, Exercise Eagle Indopura is the Singapore Armed Forces' longest-running bilateral exercise with a foreign military. The exercise underscores the close and long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and Indonesia. The RSN and TNI AL conduct regular professional exchanges, exercises and port calls, and also collaborate through the multilateral Malacca Straits Patrol and other activities such as socio-civic programmes. These regular interactions have enhanced the close ties and mutual understanding between the personnel of both navies.