The longstanding bilateral defence partnership between Singapore and Australia was again on display during Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2021 (IPE21). The cooperative activity, held on September 1, continued a long history of exercising together, which has built trust, precision and technical skill. This year’s activity combined elements from Mine Warfare Team 16, Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), air and marine capabilities. A precision ‘at sea’ landing of a Republic of Singapore Air Force Boeing CH-47 on the flight deck of HMAS Canberra, was one of the highlights of the activity. Other ADF members were on the ground in Singapore conducting professional exchanges with their counterparts in a mine warfare and DSTG engagement activity.
“It was an excellent opportunity for us, once again in the region, to show our presence, and to show how interoperable we are with our regional partners,” Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Commander Josh Carey said.
“The day’s activities reinforced the importance of training with regional partners. Australia and Singapore have a close and enduring bilateral defence relationship, built on shared values and a commitment to maintaining a resilient and prosperous region. We thank Singapore for making IPE21 a success and for the warm hospitality extended to our personnel,” Commander IPE21 Commodore Mal Wise said.
Given the longstanding partnership between the two countries, it was of no surprise to Commander Carey that it ran smoothly. Part of the flight team is Seaman Tristan Forkin, a young sailor on his first deployment, and on whom the importance of the situation was not lost. Ship-driving manoeuvres were followed by the helicopter landing training and a spectacular air defence exercise, featuring flypasts of four Republic of Singapore Air Force F-15 fighters. The day began early when Republic of Singapore Navy ships RSS Vigour and Stalwart joined the Australian ships and commenced flag hoist training.
