The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) 1st Commando Battalion and the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) Special Forces Command (KOPASSUS) successfully concluded the 30th edition of Exercise Chandrapura (XCP). The conduct of the exercise underscored the continued commitment of both militaries to strengthen the long-standing professional relations and bonds built over the years. Held in Singapore from 17 to 23 July, the exercise participants exchanged professional knowledge in commando tactics, techniques, and procedures, culminating in the execution of a combined company Urban Operations raid with live-firing. These activities, including a combined free fall and static line jump, helped to build confidence and deepen friendships between the soldiers, and strengthened mutual understanding between the two armies.
Commandos is the special forces formation of the Singapore Army responsible for conducting special operations. Commandos are tasked with infiltrating behind enemy lines by raiding and reconnaissance operations using airborne raids, helicopter assault and sea landings. The formation is made up of only one battalion, the 1st Commando Battalion (1 CDO BN), and is based in Hendon Camp. The selection process for Commandos is stringent. Potential candidates are screened during the pre-National Service check-up before they enlist in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Shortlisted candidates undergo further tests, security clearance checks, among other things, as well as a panel interview, before they are directly enlisted into one of the 1st Commando Battalion’s companies.
The Kopassus (Indonesian: Komando Pasukan Khusus, Special Forces Command) is an Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) special forces group that conducts special operations missions for the Indonesian government, such as direct action, unconventional warfare, sabotage, counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, intelligence gathering and special reconnaissance (SR). Kopassus was founded by Alexander Evert Kawilarang and Mochammad Idjon Djanbi on 16 April 1952. It gained worldwide attention after several operations such as the Indonesian invasion of East Timor and the release of hostages from Garuda Indonesia Flight 206. The special forces spearheaded some of the government’s military campaigns.
The Singapore Armed Forces’s Chief Commando Officer Colonel (COL) Pang Chee Kong and TNI’s Danjen KOPASSUS, Major General Djon Afriandi co-officiated the closing ceremony of XCP 2024, where they witnessed an exchange of airborne wings between the two forces. First conducted in 1994, the exercise underscores the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Indonesia. Besides bilateral exercises, the Singapore and Indonesian armies engage in a wide range of activities such as visits, professional exchanges, and cross-attendance of courses. These regular interactions enhance professionalism and foster mutual understanding between the two armed forces.
