Singapore and Brunei Navies Strengthen Maritime Cooperation at Exercise Pelican 2026

Personnel from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) carrying out Maritime Explosive Ordnance Disposal response procedures during Exercise Pelican.

RSN personnel sharing their expertise on Maritime Explosive Ordnance Disposal with RBN personnel during Exercise Pelican.

Commander 2nd Flotilla and Commander Task Group for Exercise Pelican 2026 Colonel Kan Shengyao David delivering his address at the closing ceremony of Exercise Pelican.

Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat (second from left) and Commander RBN First Admiral Sahibul Bahari bin Haji Zainal Abidin (second from right) joining RSN and RBN personnel at the inaugural Underwater Demolition Range Demonstration.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) have concluded the 44th edition of Exercise Pelican – the flagship bilateral exercise between both navies. First conducted in 1979, Exercise Pelican has brought generations of RSN and RBN personnel together to train, strengthen interoperability and forge lasting professional ties.

Held from 2 to 6 October 2026 at Muara Naval Base, Brunei Darussalam, this year’s exercise involved personnel from the RSN’s Naval Diving Unit and Maritime Security and Response Vessel (MSRV) Protector, as well as personnel from the RBN’s Maritime Special Operations Squadron (MARSOS), AS-Siddiq-class Patrol Vessel KDB AS-SIDDIQ, Darussalam-class Offshore Patrol Vessel KDB DARULEHSAN, and Itjihad-class patrol boat KDB AFIAT.

During the exercise, personnel from both navies conducted professional exchanges in domains such as diving, as well as a series of naval warfare drills, including simulated warfare exercises, communication exercises and manoeuvring serials.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Commander 2nd Flotilla and Commander Task Group for Exercise Pelican 2026, Colonel Kan Shengyao David highlighted the longstanding relationship between Singapore and Brunei. He said: “This year, we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Singapore-Brunei Defence Ties. The bonds that many of our senior officers share started through exercises like Exercise Pelican and common training courses. We will continue to strengthen these bonds and deepen the trust between our navies, so that we can work even more closely together in the years ahead.”

Beyond Exercise Pelican, the RSN and RBN interact regularly through visits, professional exchanges and cross-attendance of courses. Building on this cooperation, both navies conducted the inaugural Underwater Demolition Range Demonstration on 8 October 2026, providing further opportunities for divers from both navies to train together. Personnel from the SAF and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces will also participate in commemorative activities, including a Joint Parade at Muara Naval Base on 10 October 2026, to celebrate 50 years of bilateral defence ties between both countries.