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Ministry of Defence
News Releases

Singapore and United States Hold 16th Strategic Security Policy Dialogue

27 September 2026

Permanent Secretary (Defence) Joseph Leong and the United States (US) Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby co-chaired the 16th Singapore-US Strategic Security Policy Dialogue at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. on 25 September 2026.

Permanent Secretary (Defence) Joseph Leong and the United States (US) Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby co-chaired the 16th Singapore-US Strategic Security Policy Dialogue at the Pentagon, Washington D.C. (Photo Credit: US Department of War)
Permanent Secretary (Defence) Joseph Leong and the United States (US) Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby co-chaired the 16th Singapore-US Strategic Security Policy Dialogue at the Pentagon, Washington D.C. (Photo Credit: US Department of War)

Permanent Secretary (Defence) Joseph Leong and the United States (US) Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby co-chaired the 16th Singapore-US Strategic Security Policy Dialogue at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. on 25 September 2026. Established in 2006, the annual dialogue is the highest-level institutionalised policy platform between both countries’ defence establishments and serves to set the strategic direction for the Singapore-US bilateral defence relationship.

During the dialogue, Permanent Secretary (Defence) Leong and (US) Under Secretary of War for Policy Colby reaffirmed the longstanding and mutually beneficial partnership, and the importance of the US’ continued engagement of the region, including via the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus framework. They exchanged views on geopolitical developments, and discussed opportunities to further strengthen cooperation under the ambit of the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding Regarding US Use of Facilities in Singapore, as well as in defence technology and training. Permanent Secretary (Defence) Leong expressed appreciation for the continued support provided by the US in meeting Singapore’s training and defence technology needs, which has contributed to the Singapore Armed Forces’ operational readiness and capability development.

Permanent Secretary (Defence) Leong, who is in Washington D.C. from 25 to 27 September 2026 also met Secretary of the Air Force Dr Troy Meink and Under Secretary of War for Intelligence & Security Bradley Hansell.