Singapore and Indonesian commandos conclude exercise Chandrapura.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Commandos and the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) Special Forces Command (KOPASSUS) successfully concluded Exercise Chandrapura 2019. Held at Batujajar, Bandung, Indonesia from 2 to 11 July, this year's edition of the annual bilateral exercise between the SAF Commandos and the TNI KOPASSUS involved cross-training between both forces in combat skills such as rappelling and Close Quarter Battle.

TNI's Danjen Kopassus Major-General I Nyoman Cantiasa (left) and SAF's Chief Commando Officer Colonel Kenny Tay (right)  at the closing ceremony for Exercise Chandrapura (Picture source: Singapore MoD)

About 80 personnel from the SAF's 1st Commando Battalion and 31st Battalion, TNI Kopassus Group 3 participated in the exercise. The two armed forces also exchanged knowledge in tactics, techniques and procedures. This year's exercise culminated in a field training exercise where both the SAF Commandos and TNI Kopassus jointly launched a pre-dawn attack on an enemy objective.

Exercise Chandrapura 2019 concluded with a symbolic exchange of airborne wings during the closing ceremony, which was co-officiated by the SAF's Chief Commando Officer Colonel Kenny Tay and TNI's Danjen Kopassus, Major-General I Nyoman Cantiasa.

First conducted in 1994, this year marked the 26th edition in the series and underscores the close and long-standing defense relations between Singapore and Indonesia. Besides bilateral exercises, the Singapore and Indonesian armies engage in a wide range of activities such as visits, professional exchanges and cross-attendance of courses. These regular interactions enhance the interoperability and foster mutual understanding between the two armed forces.