The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) concluded the 32nd edition of bilateral Exercise Malapura. This year’s exercise, which ran from 13-23 November 2024, marks Exercise Malapura’s 40th anniversary.
The RSN deployed a Formidable class frigate, RSS Supreme, with an S-70B naval helicopter embarked, and two Victory class missile corvettes, RSS Valiant and RSS Vigilance. The RMN deployed a Lekiu class frigate, KD Lekiu, with a Fennec helicopter embarked, a Kasturi class corvette, KD Lekir and a Handalan class Fast Attack Craft KD Gempita. Two Royal Malaysian Air Force SU-30MKM fighter aircraft and two fast combat boats also took part in the exercise.
During the shore phase held at Changi Naval Base from 13-16 November, sailors from both navies conducted professional exchanges, exercise planning and sports activities. The sea phase of the exercise took place in the Malacca Strait from 17-20 November, where both navies conducted air defence exercises, gunnery firings, maritime security drills, and communication and manoeuvring serials.
At the opening ceremony on 14 November, RSN Fleet Commander, Rear-Admiral Kwan Hon Chuong highlighted the importance of the exercise in strengthening the professionalism and friendship between both navies. He said, “Exercise Malapura is the cornerstone of the bilateral relationship between our navies and continues to be a vital exercise for the RSN. We have progressively enhanced our collaboration and strengthened friendships amongst the sailors as the exercise serials become increasingly complex and challenging. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of our shared emphasis in regional maritime security.”
The closing ceremony will be held at Langkawi Naval Base on 23 November and will be co-officiated by Rear Admiral Kwan and RMN Western Fleet Commander Vice-Admiral Mohamad Azuwan bin Harun. RSN Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat and RMN Chief of Navy Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy bin Ithnain attended the opening ceremony and will also be attending the closing ceremony to commemorate Exercise Malapura’s 40th anniversary.
The Singaporean Ministry for Defence said “First held in 1984, Exercise Malapura highlights the warm and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Malaysia. The RSN and the RMN interact regularly across a wide range of activities, including bilateral exercises, professional exchanges, visits, and multilateral activities under the ambit of the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)/ADMM-Plus. The two navies also work alongside each other to reinforce maritime security through the Malacca Straits Patrol. These interactions have enhanced the practical cooperation and professional ties between both navies.”
Source Singaporean MINDEF
