The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) have successfully conducted bilateral maritime training during Exercise Singaroo 2022 in Australia’s northern waters.
The exercise, which ran from 26 to 29 September, included high-end warfare serials by Australian frigates HMAS Hobart and RSS Steadfast and Republic of Singapore Air Force F-15SG and F-16 aircraft operating from RAAF Base Darwin.
Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Jonathan Earley said the long-standing exercise was a sign of maturity in the interoperability of the two nations’ armed forces.
“Exercise Singaroo has been an important part of the Royal Australian Navy’s exercise schedule for the last 27 years,” Rear Admiral Earley said.
“During this time, we have deepened our friendship and a strong professional working relationship with the RSN so we can undertake effective combined and coalition maritime operations in support of our shared commitment to the region.”
Rear Admiral Edwin Leong, Chief of Staff-Naval Staff, Republic of Singapore Navy said the RAN and the RSN share a close and long-standing relationship.
“We have exercised together for many years and achieved many significant goals together through our close cooperation and partnership,” Rear Admiral Leong said.
The 2022 iteration of Singaroo included the firing of Australia’s Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) from RAN destroyer HMAS Hobart. The ESSM is highly effective in countering aircraft and supersonic manoeuvring anti-ship missiles.
Rear Admiral Earley also thanked Darwin residents for their support during the exercise.
“I’d like to thank the Top End community for their ongoing support as we conduct these important maritime exercises in their region,” Rear Admiral Earley said.
Singapore Navy photo