SAF PARTICIPATES IN MULTILATERAL EXERCISE HELD IN THAILAND

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), together with the Royal Thai Armed Forces, the United States Pacific Command, the Japanese Self-Defence Force and the Indonesian National Defence Forces, are participating in Exercise Cobra Gold from 4 to 17 Feb in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Besides these participating countries, an additional 19 will also be involved in this year's exercise as observers. The SAF had observed the exercise from 1993 to 1999 before becoming a full participant in 2000.

Chief Guards Officer, Brigadier-General Tung Yui Fai, is leading the 107-member SAF delegation for this year's exercise. The SAF personnel will undertake the role of staff planners for the Combined Joint Task Force, alongside their Thai, US, Japanese and Indonesian counterparts.

The SAF's participation in the field training exercise phase will contribute towards enhancing the interoperability and understanding between the participating armed forces.

In addition, under the Medical Civil Assistance Programme, an SAF medical team will also join their Thai and US counterparts to provide medical and dental services to the locals.

Exercise Cobra Gold comprises a series of annual multilateral exercises that focuses on peace support and civilian evacuation operations. This helps promote mutual understanding and friendship among the personnel of the various armed forces.