SAF Strengthens International Partnerships at Exercise Super Garuda Shield 2026

A Digital and Intelligence Service personnel having a discussion with his multinational team during the Cyber Defence Exercise.

A member of the Singapore Army in a small group discussion with his counterparts during the Joint Staff Exercise segment of Exercise Super Garuda Shield (XSGS).

A participant from the Singapore Army sharing about the Multinational Coordination Centre during XSGS.

Personnel from the Singapore Army working with other counterparts to conduct construction and paver laying works, as part of the Engineer Civic Action Programme.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is in Indonesia from 31 August to 11 September 2026 to participate in the 5th edition of Exercise Super Garuda Shield (XSGS) 2026. Co-hosted by the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) and the United States Pacific Command (USPACOM), this year’s exercise features a series of multilateral training activities conducted across multiple locations in Indonesia and involves 14 armed forces from Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

To date, SAF personnel have taken part in a joint staff planning exercise alongside counterparts from other participating armed forces to strengthen multinational planning and coordination. The Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) has also taken part in a cyber defence exercise, sharing expertise and exchanging best practices with international counterparts. In addition, the Singapore Army’s combat engineers and medical personnel have participated in the Engineer Civic Action Programme (ENCAP) and the Medical Civic Action Programme (MEDCAP) in Baturaja, Indonesia. In support of the local community, they enhanced school infrastructure and conducted medical outreach activities.

Brigadier-General (BG) Clarence Cai, Commander Defence Cyber Command/ Defence Cyber Chief, who represented the SAF at the XSGS 2026 Opening Ceremony, highlighted the role of the exercise in strengthening defence cooperation. BG Cai said, “Exercise Super Garuda Shield 2026 reaffirms the strong partnerships the SAF has built with participating armed forces over the years. As a multilateral exercise spanning staff planning components, cyber defence, and civic action programmes, it sharpens our operational capabilities while fostering stronger collaboration, mutual understanding, and goodwill among partners.”

As a multilateral exercise, XSGS 2026 serves as an important platform to promote friendship, mutual understanding, and professional exchanges among the participating armed forces. The SAF has participated in XSGS since its inception in 2022, underscoring Singapore’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with regional and international partners.