S'PORE, NZ NAVIES CONDUCT MARITIME EXERCISE

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) conducted Exercise Lion Zeal in Singapore from 28 Sep to 2 Oct.

The bilateral exercise saw them jointly execute maritime security and conventional warfare operations in the South China Sea. During the shore phase, personnel from both two navies also attended seminars to share information on maritime security.

Two RSN frigates, RSS Supreme and RSS Intrepid participated in the exercise, as well as two missile corvettes, RSS Valour and RSS Vigour. Joining them from the RNZN were HMNZS Te Mana, a frigate, and HMNZS Endeavour, a tanker. Aircraft from the Republic of Singapore Air Force and a naval helicopter from the RNZN provided support for the exercise.

The Lion Zeal series of annual exercises has been conducted since 1999 to enhance the interoperability between both navies.

The RSN and RNZN also engage in a broad range of activities, which include professional exchanges, courses and other multilateral exercises, such as the Five Power Defence Arrangements and Western Pacific Naval Symposium.

These exchanges underscore the close and long-standing defence ties between the two countries.