The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) participated in Exercise Malapura, a bilateral maritime exercise, from 20 to 27 September. Hosted by Malaysia, this year’s exercise was held in the northern part of the Malacca Strait.

The exercise involved about 500 personnel, and was conducted without physical contact between servicemen from both countries. The RSN participated in the exercise with a Formidable-class frigate (RSS Stalwart) embarked with a Republic of Singapore Air Force S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter, and two Victory-class missile corvettes (RSS Vigilance and RSS Vigour). The RMN participated with a Lekiu-class frigate (KD Lekiu), a Kasturi-class corvette (KD Lekir), a Handalan-class corvette (KD Handalan) and a Super Lynx helicopter, as well as F/A-18D and Hawk 208 fighter aircraft from the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

Following a virtual opening ceremony from both RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base and Lumut Naval Base, the two navies executed naval serials during the contactless sea phase, such as air defence exercises, gunnery firings, maritime security drills, as well as manoeuvring and communications drills.

Speaking on the successful completion of the exercise, RSN Fleet Commander, RADM Saw Shi Tat said, "The mutual understanding built up over the years between our sailors was key to the safe and successful conduct of the exercise. Whilst the COVID-19 situation posed challenges for exercise planning and coordination, the participants from both navies worked together to overcome these challenges and demonstrated high levels of cooperation throughout the exercise. Strong friendships were forged amongst the sailors, and this augurs well for both navies to further strengthen collaboration going forward."

The RSN and RMN interact regularly across a wide range of activities. These include professional exchanges and courses, as well as 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 closely to enhance maritime security through the Malacca Straits Patrol.