Singapore and Australia Navies Successfully Conclude Bilateral Exercise Singaroo

RSS Steadfast, RSS Valour, and HMAS Hobart (left to right) together with participating RSAF aircraft during Exercise Singaroo.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) participated in the bilateral maritime exercise, Exercise Singaroo, from 26 to 29 September 2022 in the Northern Australia Exercise Area off Darwin. The RSN deployed a Formidable-class frigate RSS Steadfast with an embarked Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter and a Victory-class missile corvette RSS Valour, while the RAN participated with a Hobart-class destroyer HMAS Hobart embarked with a MH-60R helicopter. Personnel and assets from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s Darwin Detachment 2022 also participated in the exercise with F-15SG and F-16D+ fighter aircraft, a Gulfstream G550 Airborne Early Warning aircraft and an A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport.

During the exercise, the RSN and RAN conducted a series of naval warfare trainings, including air defence exercises, manoeuvring drills and communication drills. This year's exercise also provided significant opportunities for integrated sea-air training which strengthened the interoperability between the RSN and RSAF.

Highlighting the importance of Exercise Singaroo in enhancing cooperation between both navies, Commander 8th Flotilla Colonel Ng Yen Meng said, "Exercise Singaroo is the mainstay exercise for the RSN and RAN. The exercise provides both navies with the opportunity to deepen professional sharing, learn from one another and strengthen our friendships."

Inaugurated in 1995, this year marks the 21st edition of Exercise Singaroo. Exercise Singaroo is one of many bilateral military interactions between the Singapore Armed Forces and the Australian Defence Force. The exercise underscores the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Australia. Both armed forces also interact frequently through multilateral exercises, high-level visits, regular dialogues, professional exchanges and the cross-attendance of courses.

LTC Huang Zongren of RSS Valour and Commander Andrew Pepper of HMAS Hobart exchanging a plaque during the opening ceremony.

Personnel from the RSN and RAN conducting planning for Exercise Singaroo onboard the HMAS Hobart.