Singapore and Malaysian Navies conclude bilateral maritime exercise.

According to information published by the Singapore Mindef on November 18, 2022, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) concluded the 30th edition of Exercise Malapura, which is the largest in scale of the exercise series to date.
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Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) ships sailed in formation together with F-16 fighters from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) during Exercise Malapura. (Picture source: Singapore MinDef)

Held from 4 to 14 November 2022, this year's exercise saw the inaugural participation of the RSN's Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessel RSS Unity, RMN's Keris-class Littoral Mission Ship KD Badik, as well as two F-16 fighter aircraft and a Fokker-50 maritime patrol aircraft from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

Other participating assets from the RSN included a Formidable-class Frigate RSS Supreme, with an S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter embarked, and two Victory-class Missile Corvettes RSS Valiant and RSS Vigour.

The RMN also deployed a Lekiu-class Frigate KD Lekiu, with a Super Lynx naval helicopter embarked, a Kedah-class Offshore Patrol Vessel KD Selangor, and a Handalan-class Missile Boat KD Gempita.

Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Aaron Beng and Chief of RMN Admiral (ADM) Tan Sri Mohd Reza Bin Mohd Sany attended the opening ceremony of the exercise on 4 November at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base.

The ceremony was co-officiated by RSN Fleet Commander RADM Sean Wat and RMN Commander of the Western Fleet Vice-Admiral (VADM) Datuk Abu Bakar bin Mohd Ajis, where they jointly unveiled the 30th edition Exercise Malapura commemorative coin.

During the shore phase from 4 to 7 November, personnel from both navies conducted joint planning and professional exchanges, while incorporating commemorative activities.

During the sea phase from 8 to 13 November, both navies conducted a range of serials, including gunnery firing, maritime surveillance, air defence, manoeuvring and communication drills, and a commemorative sail-past. The exercise concluded with an exercise debrief in Lumut Naval Base.

Established in 1984, Exercise Malapura underscores the warm and long-standing defence ties between Singapore and Malaysia. The RSN and RMN interact regularly across a wide range of activities.

These include professional exchanges and courses, as well as 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 closely to enhance maritime security through the Malacca Straits Patrol.

About the Independence-class

The Independence-class littoral mission vessel (LMV) is a class of eight surface platforms that are slated to replace the Fearless-class patrol vessel of the Republic of Singapore Navy.

The Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV) was jointly designed by Saab Kockums AB and ST Marine with Singapore's Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) as the overall manager and systems integrator and was derived from Saab Kockum's FLEXpatrol multi-mission patrol vessel.

The Independence-class have a length of 80 m (262 ft 6 in), a beam of 12 m (39 ft 4 in) and a draught of 3 m. They can reach a top speed of 27 knots (50.0 km/h; 31.1 mph).

The Littoral Mission Vessels are armed with Oto Melara 76 mm Super Rapid gun, two Hitrole 12.7 mm RCWS, 25 mm Mk38 Mod2 Typhoon Weapon Station Stabilised Gun and 12 MICA VL missiles.