Singapore and Brunei Navies Strengthen Maritime Cooperation in Exercise Pelican 2025

The RSN’s Maritime Security and Response Flotilla Commander, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Neville Nah (right) at the opening ceremony of Exercise Pelican with the RBN’s Acting Fleet Commander, Commander Sonny Iskandar bin Rasani (left).

An RSN personnel sharing during a professional exchange on conventional warfare.

RSN personnel demonstrating the Fire-Fighting and Damage Control procedure as part of the exercise.

Commander Maritime Security and Response Flotilla Senior Lieutenant Colonel Neville Nah speaking at the closing ceremony of Exercise Pelican.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) have concluded the 43rd edition of Exercise Pelican – a flagship bilateral exercise between both navies. Held from 23 to 26 September 2025 at Muara Naval Base, Brunei, this year's exercise involved personnel from the RSN's Naval Diving Unit and Sentinel-class Maritime Security and Response Vessel (MSRV) Guardian and MSRV Protector, as well as personnel from the RBN's Naval Surface Action Group (NAVSAG) and AS-SIDDIQ-class Patrol Vessels KDB AS-SIDDIQ and KDB AL-FARUQ.

During the exercise, personnel from both navies conducted a series of professional exchanges in domains such as conventional naval warfare, seamanship and engineering.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Commander Maritime Security and Response Flotilla Senior Lieutenant Colonel Neville Nah highlighted the significance of Exercise Pelican. He said: "Exercise Pelican has consistently been a valuable platform for domain sharing and the exchange of expertise between the two navies. Through this exercise, we have not only deepened our professional knowledge, but also strengthened our ability to collaborate and achieve mission success together. This enduring partnership reflects the broader relationship between Singapore and Brunei – two nations that share not only geographical proximity, but common values, mutual respect, and an unwavering commitment to regional peace and stability. Our navies serve as examples of how like-minded countries can work together, learn from each other, and grow stronger through collaboration.”

Established in 1979, Exercise Pelican underscores the close and long-standing defence ties between Singapore and Brunei. The annual exercise enhances mutual cooperation, understanding, and interoperability between the RSN and RBN. Besides Exercise Pelican, the RSN and RBN also interact regularly through a range of activities, including visits and professional exchange programmes. These interactions have reinforced the strong bonds and mutual understanding between sailors from both navies.