S'PORE, AUSTRALIA FORCES IN JOINT MARITIME EXERCISE

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is hosting Exercise Singaroo 07, a joint exercise involving the navies and air forces of Singapore and Australia in the Singapore Strait and the South China Sea from 7 to 11 May.

The opening ceremony was officiated by the RSN's Fleet Commander, Rear-Admiral (RADM) Tan Kai Hoe, and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Maritime Commander, RADM Davyd Thomas on 7 May.

Both navies will exercise under a range of conventional scenarios: maritime security, air defence and anti-submarine warfare.

Shore activities in the form of professional discussions and war-gaming training will also be held as part of the exercise.

RSN ships involved in the exercise are RSS Vengeance and RSS Victory (missile corvettes), RSS Sea Wolf (missile gunboat), RSS Fearless (anti-submarine patrol vessel) and RSS Chieftain (submarine).

The RAN's HMAS Adelaide (guided missile frigate) will also be participating.

Anti-surface warfare support for the exercise will be provided by the RSN's F-50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and Royal Australian Air Force P3C Orion Long-range Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is providing F-16 and F-5 fighter jets and E2C Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning aircraft for the exercise.

Exercise Singaroo 07 provides both navies the opportunity to enhance mutual understanding, promote inter-operability and strengthen professional ties.