2M VISITS ONGOING FIVE-NATION EXERCISE

Second Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen was given a broad overview of Exercise Bersama Padu as he toured the Operational Headquarters at the Paya Lebar Exercise Complex on 12 Sep.

The inaugural Exercise Bersama Padu 2006 is hosted by Singapore and is conducted under the auspices of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA).

It aims to enhance the interoperability among the armed forces of the five member nations Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom in carrying out joint operations in a multi-threat environment.

During his visit, Dr Ng was given a tour of the exercise complex. He also spoke to some of the exercise participants.

For the first time, full land and logistics components are being exercised. There is also increased participation by Other Government Departments (OGD) and the International Community of the Red Cross, as part of the non-conventional operational training.

Exercise Bersama Padu, which means "United Together" in Malay, is also the largest and most complex FPDA exercise involving air, maritime and land forces to date.

A total of 21 ships, 85 aircraft, one submarine and 292 HQ staff personnel are involved in the 19-day exercise.

Support components, including diving teams, Ground-based Air Defence (GBAD) elements and other supporting elements, are also involved in a series of role-play and realistic exercise scenarios.

The exercise ends on 22 Sep.