Singapore and Malaysia Navies Strengthen Maritime Cooperation in Exercise Malapura 2026

RSN Fleet Commander Colonel Bertram Ang (6th from left) and Western Fleet Commander, RMN, Vice Admiral Dato’ Baharudin bin Wan Md Nor (6th from right), with senior commanders from both navies, at the opening ceremony.

Personnel from the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Royal Malaysian Navy visited the Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV), RSS Sovereignty.

RSN personnel briefing RMN personnel during the pre-planning phase of the Naval Tactical Trainer (NTT) warfare simulations.

RMN personnel gaining hands-on experience at the Weapon System Console during a visit to the Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV) Simulation Centre (SIMCEN).

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) conducted the 34th edition of Exercise Malapura – a bilateral maritime exercise between both navies. Held from 26 to 30 October 2026 at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base and Tuas Naval Base, this year’s exercise comprised a series of shore-based serials, people-to-people interactions, professional exchanges, warfare planning, and sports activities. The exercise involved crew from the RSN’s Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV), RSS Sovereignty and Formidable-class Frigate, RSS Formidable, and a delegation of approximately 30 personnel from the RMN, comprising crew from the Lekiu-class Frigate, KD Lekiu, Kasturi-class Frigate, KD Kasturi, as well as staff from the Western Fleet Headquarters.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, RSN Fleet Commander, Colonel Bertram Ang highlighted the importance of the exercise in deepening the professionalism and friendship between both navies. He said, “The RSN and RMN share a warm and enduring friendship through exercises such as Malapura. At a professional level, the chance to train together, by planning and executing various serials and warfare tactics, strengthens our ability to work together. This interoperability between our navies remains especially important for maintaining maritime security in our region. At a more personal level, Exercise Malapura has also given our people the opportunity to forge new friendships and build trust.” 

Captain Khairuddin bin Mohamad Paudzi, Head Readiness, Western Fleet, RMN, added that Exercise Malapura had developed into a mutually beneficial annual interaction for both navies. He said, “The successful completion of the 34th edition of Malapura is a testament to that professionalism and spirit of cooperation. This year’s exercise has allowed us to examine our planning processes, practice coordination and assess the supporting arrangements that underpin the conduct of Malapura. Our shared interests in maritime security, safe sea lines of communication and regional stability underscore the strategic importance of maintaining a strong and constructive naval relationship. The lessons learned and the friendships strengthened here will serve us well in future editions of Malapura.”

First held in 1984, Exercise Malapura highlights the warm and longstanding defence relations between Singapore and Malaysia. The RSN and RMN interact regularly across a wide range of activities, including bilateral exchanges and cross-attendance of courses and multilateral activities under the ambit of the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)/ADMM-Plus. The two navies also work together with other regional partners under the Malacca Straits Patrol to strengthen maritime security along the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, a vital sea line of communication. Last year, the RSN and RMN signed the Arrangement for Mutual Submarine Rescue Support and Cooperation, which establishes a framework for mutual support and assistance in the event of a submarine incident. Together, these activities continue to deepen practical cooperation as well as strengthen professional and people-to-people ties between both navies.