Dr Maliki Visits Combined Live Firing Exercise in the US

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)'s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) firing off a rocket during the live firing exercise.

Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman visited Exercise Daring Warrior this morning (SG time) to witness the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)'s artillery live firing. Held at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, USA, the exercise was conducted from 8 to 25 October 2018 and involved approximately 150 SAF personnel and 70 personnel from the US Army. 

The highlight of Exercise Daring Warrior 2018 was a combined live firing by the US and Singapore armies, where the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) from the 23rd Battalion, Singapore Artillery (23 SA) and the Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) from the 2nd Battalion, 18th Field Artillery Regiment, US Army, simultaneously fired at a distant target. Dr Maliki also interacted with exercise participants from 23 SA during his visit. 

After witnessing the live firing, Dr Maliki noted that the training in the US provides valuable opportunities for the SAF to hone its capabilities. He added that, "This exercise has deepened the professional cooperation and personal linkages between the US Army and the Singapore Army. Participating in the exercise strengthens our servicemen's operational readiness, as they get to train in a challenging operational environment. The successful conduct of the exercise also exemplifies the competence and professionalism of our SAF servicemen." 

Conducted since 2010, Exercise Daring Warrior 2018 marks the seventh edition of the exercise, which underscores the excellent and long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and the US. The SAF's training in the US provides a valuable opportunity for professional exchanges between the Singapore and US armed forces, and has also helped to foster strong relations amongst the troops.

Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman (second from right) viewing the distant target through the high-definition Day Night Range-finding System (DNRS).

Dr Maliki taking a group photo with soldiers from 23rd Battalion, Singapore Artillery after the live firing exercise.

Soldiers from both armies during a professional exchange at Exercise Daring Warrior 2018.

Exercise Daring Warrior 2018 participants from the SAF and the US Army posing for a group photo with the participating assets in the background.