Singapore and Indonesian Commandos Conclude 30th Edition of Exercise Chandrapura

SAF's Chief Commando Officer Colonel Pang Chee Kong (right) and TNI Danjen KOPASSUS, Major General (MG) Djon Afriandi (left) officiating the closing ceremony of Exercise Chandrapura 2024.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) 1st Commando Battalion and the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) Special Forces Command (KOPASSUS) successfully concluded the 30th edition of Exercise Chandrapura (XCP). The conduct of the exercise underscored the continued commitment of both militaries to strengthen the long-standing professional relations and bonds built over the years.

Held in Singapore from 17 to 23 July, the exercise participants exchanged professional knowledge in commando tactics, techniques, and procedures, culminating in the execution of a combined company Urban Operations raid with live-firing. These activities, including a combined free fall and static line jump, helped to build confidence and deepen friendships between the soldiers, and strengthened mutual understanding between the two armies.

The SAF's Chief Commando Officer Colonel (COL) Pang Chee Kong and TNI’s Danjen KOPASSUS, Major General Djon Afriandi co-officiated the closing ceremony of XCP 2024, where they witnessed an exchange of airborne wings between the two forces. In his closing speech, COL Pang highlighted the close ties between the two forces. He said, “It has been 30 years since the first Exercise Chandrapura in 1994 and it has grown in scale and depth since then. Similarly, the ties between our militaries have grown from strength to strength. Today, our exercise participants stand before us, proudly, are testaments of this growing relationship, brotherhood and special trust built from three decades of cooperation."

First conducted in 1994, the exercise underscores the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Indonesia. Besides bilateral exercises, the Singapore and Indonesian armies engage in a wide range of activities such as visits, professional exchanges, and cross-attendance of courses. These regular interactions enhance professionalism and foster mutual understanding between the two armed forces.

MG Djon Afriandi pinning the TNI’s airborne wings on an SAF Commando as part of the airborne exercise exchange.

Soldiers from the SAF Commandos preparing to embark on the urban operations elements.

Soldiers from the SAF Commandos and TNI KOPASSUS in a group photo after the urban operations elements.

Soldiers from the SAF Commandos and TNI KOPASSUS participating in the SAR21 qualification shoot.

Participants of Exercise Chandrapura 2024 executing a static line parachute jump.