SAF'S BIGGEST OVERSEAS EXERCISE IS BACK DOWN UNDER

09oct23_news1_photo1 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/images/default-source/articles/ont/2023/9-oct-2023/09oct23_news1_photo1.jpg?sfvrsn=6894b9e8_3 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/saf's-biggest-overseas-exercise-is-back-down-under
https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/saf's-biggest-overseas-exercise-is-back-down-under
SAF'S BIGGEST OVERSEAS EXERCISE IS BACK DOWN UNDER
09 Oct 2023 | OPS & TRAINING

SAF'S BIGGEST OVERSEAS EXERCISE IS BACK DOWN UNDER

//Story by THRINA THAM //Photos by CHAI SIAN LIANG

Four times the size of Singapore – that's the vast space the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) works with at Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) in Queensland, Australia, where Exercise Wallaby is currently underway.

Held from 7 Sep to 15 Oct over two training frames, this year's edition involves about 4,300 personnel and some 450 platforms from the Army, Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) – the largest numbers since 2016.

Exercise Wallaby is the SAF's biggest unilateral overseas exercise.

The RSAF's AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and CH-47 Chinook helicopters flying in formation over SWBTA.

As part of the second frame of Exercise Wallaby, the Army and RSAF will be conducting an air-land integrated live-firing with the motorised battalion for the first time since 2012.

The SAF also conducted an air-land-sea ship-to-shore replenishment training on board a Landing Ship Tank out at sea.

The Terrex ICV (far left) and Belrex PCSV (right) will conduct manoeuvre live-firing as part of motorised battalion live-firing by 2nd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment.

This year's Exercise Wallaby will feature the first motorised battalion live-firing since 2012, involving manoeuvre live-firing by the Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicles (ICVs) and Belrex Protected Combat Support Vehicles (PCSVs).

It also marks the first live-firing by the Belrex PCSV Mortar in the exercise, which will be supported by strikes from the RSAF's AH-64D Apache attack helicopters and F-16D+ jets.

The large-scale deployment of RSAF aircraft before they head for a training mission at XWB.

The vast training space in SWBTA enables the SAF to train at a scale, level and complexity that cannot be replicated back in Singapore, said Exercise Director Brigadier-General Cai Dexian.

"This fully maximises the training value that SWBTA offers and is critical to the SAF in advancing its transformation as a modern and integrated fighting force," he said in a media statement.

COL Fan (second from left) with exercise participants (from left) LTC (NS) Muhammad Malik, Staff Sergeant Joey Ng and CPT Mohamad Faisal.

Commander of Frame 2, Colonel (COL) Fan Mun Poh said in a media brief on 8 Oct: "The terrain at SWBTA allows us to do so much – there are hills, undulating and cross-country terrain."

He added that there is also a vast airspace for Air Force training, as well as littoral (near the coast) space with connectivity to beaches for the Navy. "It's a very exciting playground for us… It's (like) a Happy Meal."

The vast airspace available at SWBTA allows the SAF to conduct integrated training at a scale and complexity that cannot be replicated in Singapore.

COL Fan also noted that Exercise Wallaby is not a one-country endeavour. "We're very happy that Australia has been (cooperating) with us in this since 1990.

"As the armed forces mature and become more integrated, the plot of land (here) has evolved with our training needs. We have gone through joint development with the Australians (for us) to be able to do more (and to) do complex training."

Terrex ICVs parked near Camp Growl, where the Army operates from within SWBTA.

Frame 1 of the exercise saw the completion of missions like an Armour training evaluation; Guardsmen training on the Lightstrike Vehicle Mark II; and an airdrop by the RSAF's C-130 plane.

LTC (NS) Malik is thankful to his supportive superiors and colleagues in giving him peace of mind while serving his In-Camp Training at Exercise Wallaby.

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) (NS) Muhammad Malik bin Badaruddin commands the Combat Service Support Battalion – the unit that acts as a "7-11" to the brigade in their field of operations.

"We have maintenance and supply capabilities and – to a degree – (can even support) medical surgeries on the field. Our main objective is to support the brigade and make sure they can sustain their fight," shared the 40-year-old.

Preparations for him and his NSman (Operationally Ready National Serviceman) battalion began much earlier, before their three weeks in SWBTA.

"As a Commander, I had many meetings to make sure the admin was done right, the training objectives set, and we would have all the things we need when the guys are here," said LTC (NS) Malik, who is the Chief Technology Officer at car-sharing platform GetGo.

"It's not easy, I must say, but thankfully I have a great boss who is supportive of NS. I also have a great team...and that helps in me being away."

For CPT Faisal, training in Exercise Wallaby means being able to plan and coordinate more complex missions.

As a Divisional Air Defence Exercise Planner, Captain (CPT) Mohamad Faisal bin Mohamad Aziz assists in the planning of air-land integrated missions.

These included troop-lift missions, where soldiers were transported by the CH-47F Chinook helicopters over a large training area for a quick insertion to the edge of the "battlefield".

This is completely different from CPT Faisal's role back home – where he oversees peace-time air defence.

"The different training here allows us to do more complex missions in the land battle concept," said the 31-year-old. "For example, it includes the RSAF's Ground-Based Air Defence Systems moving out with the ground units, giving them air-defence protection.

"While it may sound simple, it involves a lot of coordination – from mission planning to actual deployment on the ground."

Suggested Reading
Feature
NDP 2025 BRINGS THE PARTY TO THE HEARTLANDS
OPS & TRAINING
09 Oct 2023

The National Day festivities don’t end at the Padang! Continue the fun at five heartland locations on 10 Aug.

Cover story
COORDINATED JUMP BY RED LIONS & NAVAL DIVERS AT NDP
OPS & TRAINING
09 Oct 2023

It’s the first time the Red Lions and Naval Divers are jumping into two different locations – the Padang and Marina Bay respectively – as part of a coordinated display!

Feature
60 YEARS ON, THEIR COMMITMENT REMAINS STRONG
OPS & TRAINING
09 Oct 2023

The SAF celebrated its 60th anniversary on 1 Jul with a special SAF Day Parade and Combined Rededication Ceremonies across Singapore. 

Cover story
BRINGING THEIR A-GAME IN SAF BEST UNIT COMPETITION
OPS & TRAINING
09 Oct 2023

These units were recognised for their outstanding achievements in this year’s SAF Best Unit Competition. Find out what makes them champions!

Feature
RECOGNISING THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SAF
OPS & TRAINING
09 Oct 2023

These servicemen were among over 1,200 MINDEF and SAF personnel who are being promoted for their good performance and potential – meet COL Fairoz, SWO Zulkarnaen, MAJ Muhammad Iskandar and 1SG Muhd Hidhir.

NDP 2025 SHOW EXPANDS FROM PADANG TO MARINA BAY
OPS & TRAINING
09 Oct 2023

This year’s NDP show will be a musical extravaganza with over 3,000 performers, eight land and water floats, and the largest mobile stage ever used in NDP history!

Feature
PREPARING THE PARADE FOR SAF’S DIAMOND JUBILEE
OPS & TRAINING
09 Oct 2023

SAF Day Parade Commander LTC Shew Narian and Parade Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) ME4 Lee Han Seng share how they and the parade participants have been hard at work to put up the perfect parade come 1 Jul.

Cover story
First air-land-sea display at NDP 2025 Mobile Column
OPS & TRAINING
09 Oct 2023

The NDP Mobile Column makes its highly anticipated return this year not just on land, but also in the air and in the waters of Marina Bay!

SAFVC turns 10, promotes senior volunteers to SV4
OPS & TRAINING
09 Oct 2023

Marking a decade of duty, the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with a special parade featuring some of its first as well as latest batch of volunteers.

FROM COMMANDO TO NAVAL OFFICER
OPS & TRAINING
09 Oct 2023

A Commando NSF turned Naval Officer, 2LT Arjan Singh made the transition from jungle to sea when he signed up with the Navy.