DR NG VISITS SAF TROOPS IN NEW ZEALAND

Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen visited Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) troops taking part in Exercise Thunder Warrior in Waiouru, New Zealand, on 4 Feb.

Accompanied by New Zealand's Minister of Defence Phil Goff, Dr Ng received a traditional Maori welcome at Waiouru camp.

The annual artillery live-firing exercise involves more than 400 soldiers from the 21st Battalion, Singapore Artillery (21 SA), operating with troops from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).

Both ministers saw the Primus-Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer in action, which was first used in Ex Thunder Warrior in 2004.

This year's exercise marked the first overseas live-firing involving the SAF's Mortar Tracked Carrier, with integrated support from weapon-locating radars and ground recce teams.

"This terrain offers us training opportunities that we can't get elsewhere, in terms of range and testing our systems," said Dr Ng.

"The technology platforms have lived up to expectations, but beyond that, I think we have to train in terms of tactical aspects, in terms of getting our men used to doing the fine detailing," he added.

Mr Goff, who described Singapore as New Zealand's "closest Asian defence partner", said: "We have a long history of working together, and it has been a good partnership and friendship."

Private (PTE) Callum Gardner is among the New Zealand Army personnel who are providing logistical and liaison support to the SAF troops for the exercise.

"Learning about a different army and how you operate has been really enjoyable," he said. "Despite whatever differences we may have, we get along pretty well."

Dr Ng mingling with SAF troops (left) in Ex Thunder Warrior and firing the first bomb from Mortar Tracked Carrier (right), which is being deployed for its first overseas live-firing.