Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen attended an official luncheon hosted by Malaysian Minister of Defence Dato' Seri Mohamad Hasan and Minister of Transport Mr Anthony Loke this afternoon as part of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (LIMA 23) in Malaysia. Dr Ng also attended the LIMA 23 opening ceremony yesterday evening. At the invitation of the Malaysian government, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is also participating in LIMA 23. The SAF’s participation includes the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) Formidable-class frigate RSS Steadfast, and the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) AH-64D Apache Attack Helicopter on static display with accompanying displays of munitions such as the AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, Hydra-70 Rockets and 30 mm rounds. In addition, one RSAF CH-47F helicopter will also be participating in the LIMA 23 static display for the first time.

As part of his visit to LIMA 23, Dr Ng met with Dato' Seri Mohamad Hasan. Both Ministers reaffirmed the warm and long-standing defence ties between Singapore and Malaysia. Dr Ng also interacted with RSAF personnel participating in the exhibition. Dr Ng was accompanied by Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Heng Kee, Chief of Defence Force Rear-Admiral (RADM) Aaron Beng, Chief of Air Force Major-General Kelvin Khong, Chief of Navy RADM Sean Wat, and other MINDEF officials.

The SAF has participated in LIMA since 2001, underscoring the warm and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Malaysia. The SAF and the Malaysian Armed Forces interact regularly through bilateral exercises, professional exchanges and cross-attendance of courses as well as multilateral activities under the ambit of the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)/ADMM-Plus. These interactions strengthen professional ties and mutual understanding between both armed forces.