S’pore, China conclude bilateral naval exercise

Gunnery firing, search and rescue, manoeuvring, familarisation of voice procedures during simulated firings – these were some of the exercises that the RSN conducted together with the PLA Navy as part of Exercise Maritime Cooperation.

This is the third edition of the exercise, but the first to be held in China. It was previously held in Singapore in 2015 and 2023.

Formidable-class frigate RSS Stalwart sailed into Zhanjiang on 29 Aug to participate in the exercise. This was after a long deployment since 2 Jun.

The shore phase of Exercise Maritime Cooperation took place on 1 and 2 Sep, with the two navies conducting activities such as table-top exercises to walk through the movement of ships while at sea, and the sharing of best practices by subject matter experts.

On 3 Sep, RSS Stalwart, together with PLANS Type 054A frigate Sanya and PLANS Type 082-II Minesweeper Hejian, set sail for the waters off Zhanjiang for a three-day sea phase.

Planning work began back in May, with the two navies discussing topics for professional sharing sessions and serials for the sea phase.

Among the operations planners is Captain (CPT) Eileen Lim, who helped coordinate the serials and saw to their safe and successful execution.

“This is my first time planning an exercise with the PLA Navy, and I gained many fruitful insights on their operational perspectives,” said the 28-year-old Operations Officer of RSS Stalwart.

“Balancing the demands of our ongoing operations with planning for Exercise Maritime Cooperation required us to be highly organised and adaptable,” added CPT Lim.

“Despite the challenges, we maintained close communication with our PLA Navy counterparts and focused on identifying potential issues early, which helped us overcome operational and logistical hurdles.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony of Exercise Maritime Cooperation on 1 Sep, RSN Fleet Commander Rear Admiral (RADM) Kwan Hon Chuong highlighted how the flagship bilateral exercise had grown since its induction in 2015.

“This exercise has consistently provided invaluable opportunities for our navies to learn from each other, build mutual trust and understanding, and forge friendships.

“This focus on integrated operations and crisis response allows our navies to work together in strengthening our interoperability when addressing contemporary maritime challenges.”

Ahead of the sea phase, the two navies conducted a table-top exercise where they talked through the various serials.

This was to ensure that everyone was on the same page and that the serials would be carried out safely.

Participants from both navies also shared their best practices in topics such as submarine rescue and mine-countermeasures, to enhance safety and maritime security.

On the morning of 3 Sep, RSS Stalwart set sail to begin the sea phase with PLANS Type 054A frigate Sanya and PLANS Type 082-II Minesweeper Hejian.

“My fondest memory was when we played a friendly game of basketball together. There was fun with a bit of competition, but all in the spirit of sportsmanship.”

“Being able to work smoothly with them has proven that we are always leaning towards a mutual understanding and seeking ways in which we can complement each other,” he added.

As part of the exercise, RSS Stalwart carried out a replenishment-at-sea-approach or RASAP with PLANS Sanya. During RASAP, the “receiving” ship usually makes a highly controlled approach to station 80 to 100m abreast of the “supplying” ship.

Such serials allow both navies to build mutual understanding of each other's practices and procedures.

RSS Stalwart will now be making its journey back to Singapore, after being away from home for more than three months.