Australia Chief of the Defence Force Makes Introductory Visit to Singapore

ADML Johnston inspecting the Guard of Honour at MINDEF.

ADML Johnston calling on Mr Chan.

Australia Chief of the Defence Force Admiral (ADML) David Johnston called on Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning. During the call, Mr Chan and ADML Johnston reaffirmed the close and longstanding defence ties between Singapore and Australia, and looked forward to strengthening defence cooperation under the next phase of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This includes mutual support for enhanced access to facilities in each country, and deepening cooperation in defence science and technology as well as defence logistics and supply chains. Mr Chan expressed his appreciation for Australia’s support for the joint development of training areas in Australia, which will benefit both armed forces.

Mr Chan and ADML Johnston also exchanged views on global and regional developments. They reaffirmed the close cooperation between both countries on the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus and Five Power Defence Arrangements, and agreed that both countries would continue to contribute constructively to regional security and stability.

ADML Johnston, who is in Singapore today for his introductory visit, also had a meeting with Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng and inspected the Guard of Honour at MINDEF earlier today. As part of his visit, ADML Johnston will also visit Sembawang Air Base and SAFTI City this afternoon.

ADML Johnston’s visit underscores the long history of military cooperation between the SAF and the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The SAF and ADF interact regularly through bilateral and multilateral training exercises, high-level visits, professional exchanges, and cross attendance of courses. This year, Singapore and Australia will be commemorating the 35th anniversary of Exercise Wallaby (XWB) – the SAF’s largest overseas unilateral exercise, which is conducted at Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, Australia. XWB 2025 is scheduled to take place later this year.