Singapore
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Partnerships
Multilateral La Perouse 25 exercise focuses on key maritime passages
FORUM Staff Protecting choke points that link the Indian Ocean to the Java Sea, South China Sea and Pacific Ocean was the mission of the La Perouse 25 exercise. Nine Indo-Pacific navies participated in the biennial exercise in January, the fifth and largest iteration. About one-third of the world’s commercial shipping traverses the Lombok, Malacca and Sunda straits, and the…
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Global Commons
Singapore’s military, industry jointly hone cyber defenses
Sarah Chan Singapore’s government and industry sectors are bolstering defenses against cyberattacks, with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and other agencies deepening collaboration with local and foreign partners to protect critical digital infrastructure. In July 2018, the personal data of 1.5 million individuals, including the then prime minister, was compromised in an attack on the country’s largest group of health…
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Partnerships
Singapore, U.S. bolster interoperability, teamwork at Valiant Mark
Capt. Mark McDonough/U.S. Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the United States Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia conducted exercise Valiant Mark in mid-December 2024 to strengthen interoperability and partnerships between the forces. The five-day exercise in Singapore enhanced cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, reinforced relationships among personnel and prepared units for future training engagements. “The purpose of Valiant…
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Oceania
Training area upgrades bolster Australia-Singapore defense ties
FORUM Staff Enhancements at an expansive military training area in northeast Australia will accommodate thousands of visiting Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel each year and represent a milestone in the nations’ decades-long defense ties, officials say. The upgrades at Shoalwater Bay Training Area include combined air-land ranges; two urban operations live-fire facilities, the first of their kind in Australia; administration…
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Free and Open Indo-Pacific/FOIP
Singapore’s new Invincible-class submarines enhance security of key SLOCs
Sarah Chan Singapore has bolstered its maritime defenses with the commissioning of two new Invincible-class submarines, RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable, part of the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) modernization in the face of evolving security challenges. The vessels, built by Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems in Germany, are equipped with automation and air-independent propulsion that allow them to operate quietly and…
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Free and Open Indo-Pacific/FOIP
South Korea enhances regional security role
FORUM Staff Seoul is reinforcing security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and beyond as tensions flare in the economically important South China Sea and North Korea’s nuclear and missile provocations persist. South Korea upgraded ties with the Philippines and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in October 2024. Singapore and Seoul signed agreements on supply chain and liquefied natural gas…
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Free and Open Indo-Pacific/FOIP
Philippines, Singapore deepen ties with defense cooperation agreement
Sarah Chan In a demonstration of strengthening ties, the Philippines and Singapore recently signed a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation as the partnership becomes increasingly critical amid growing security challenges, particularly in the South China Sea. The agreement builds on bilateral defense arrangements and is a framework for enhancing cooperation in areas such as military education, counterterrorism, and humanitarian…
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Partnerships
Indo-Pacific Endeavour links Australia with Allies and Partners for military exercises, training
FORUM Staff Legal workshops on security issues hosted in Sri Lanka recently kicked off Indo-Pacific Endeavour 24 (IPE), Australia’s five-month engagement involving 14 countries across Southeast Asia and the northeast Indian Ocean. Australian ships, aircraft and personnel deployed to individual countries for military exercises, training, workshops, and cultural and athletic activities. IPE, which runs from August to December 2024, covers…
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Features
Advancing Space Partnerships
Lt. Stephen Schroeder/U.S. Navy, U.S. Space Command Joint Integrated Space Team Pacific The United States and its Allies and Partners are at the forefront of an emerging era of opportunity. Space’s critical role in the global commons has gained considerable attention in recent years, and the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DOD) guidance has never been clearer: “Space is now a…
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Partnerships
Singapore Armed Forces initiatives strengthen camaraderie, operational readiness
Sarah Chan As the Indo-Pacific faces heightened security tensions, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is promoting readiness and excellence among its personnel through programs and initiatives such as the Best Unit Competition, designed to foster camaraderie and operational preparedness. The long-running competition recognizes distinction in combat readiness, operational proficiency and administrative performance. “The recognition and awards offered to the units…
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