Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How Visits SAF’s Artillery Live-Firing Exercise in the United States

Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How interacting with soldiers from 23rd Battalion, Singapore Artillery at Exercise Daring Warrior 2024 (XDW 24).

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the United States (US) Army successfully concluded Exercise Daring Warrior (XDW) 2024 in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, US. Held from 6 to 24 September 2024, the exercise involved approximately 150 SAF and 35 US Army personnel.

The highlight of the exercise was a combined live-firing by the armies from Singapore and the US. It featured the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) operated by the SAF’s 23rd Battalion, Singapore Artillery and the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) operated by the US Army’s 2-4th Field Artillery Regiment.

During his visit to the exercise, Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How was briefed on the conduct of the exercise and witnessed the precision strike capabilities of the HIMARS and MLRS. He also interacted with the exercise participants and thanked them for their commitment and dedication. Speaking after his visit, Mr Heng expressed confidence in the SAF’s operational capabilities and highlighted the importance of overseas training opportunities for the SAF. He said, “Current global conflicts and tensions have underscored the importance of a strong SAF to defend Singapore’s sovereignty and maintain peace. The commitment and professionalism of our exercise participants have given me full confidence in their ability to defend Singapore… These training opportunities have been invaluable in overcoming Singapore’s size constraints and have enabled our SAF personnel to train and develop their professional competencies.”

First held in 2010, this 10th edition of Exercise Daring Warrior underscores the excellent and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and the US. The SAF’s training in the US provides opportunities for professional exchanges between the two armed forces, which have helped strengthen cooperation and deepen personal ties. The vast training space in the US also allows the SAF to train realistically to sharpen its operational competencies and enhance its operational readiness. 

The SAF's High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the US Army's Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) firing off rockets during the live-firing exercise.

Mr Heng engaging the STrike ObserveR Mission (STORM) Team at the observation post.

Mr Heng taking a group photo with soldiers from the SAF and US Army after the live firing exercise.

Mr Heng and participants from the SAF and the US Army posing for a group photo.