Defense News
09/21/09
Singapore, Australia Conduct Naval Exercise
By Wendell Minnick
Taipei - The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) are conducting Exercise Singaroo, a joint maritime exercise, from Sept. 18-25. The eight-day exercise is being held in the South China Sea, where both navies will conduct maritime surveillance, air defense and anti-submarine warfare exercises.
Three Singapore vessels will participate, including a new 3,200-ton Formidable-class frigate, the RSS Intrepid; a 550-ton Victory-class guided-missile patrol boat, the RSS Valour; and an aging Challenger-class diesel submarine, the Conqueror.
These will join two RAN vessels, a 3,300-ton Anzac-class frigate, the FFH 151 Arunta; and a new 300-ton Armidale-class patrol boat, the ACPB 85 Bathurst.
Aircraft from the Singapore Air Force will provide anti-surface warfare support.
"Singapore and Australia share close and friendly defence ties," said a Singapore Ministry of Defence press release. "The RSN and the RAN engage in a wide range of activities, which include bilateral and multilateral exercises as well as professional exchanges. These extensive interactions have strengthened mutual understanding and professional ties between the personnel of both navies."
