Brunei Navy completes 41st Exercise Pelican with Singapore.

According to information published by MINDEF Singapore on November 9, 2023, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) have successfully concluded the 41st Exercise Pelican.
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US Navy's USS Blue Ridge conducts a maneuvering exercise with Darussalam-class OPV KDB Darussalam in August 2023. (Picture source: Dvids)

This flagship bilateral exercise took place from November 6 to 9, 2023, in Muara, Brunei. This year's drill saw the inaugural participation of the RSN's Maritime Security and Response Vessel (MSRV) Sentinel and the RBN's As-Siddiq-class Patrol Vessel KDB As-Siddiq, alongside other vessels including the RSN's Formidable-class Frigate RSS Tenacious and the RBN's Darussalam-class Offshore Patrol Vessel KDB Darussalam and Ijtihad-class Fast Patrol Boat KDB Syafaat.

RSN Fleet Commander Colonel Kwan Hon Chuong, during the opening ceremony, emphasized the growth and evolution of Exercise Pelican, noting the expansion from basic drills to multifaceted warfare serials that enhance the navies' operational capabilities across various domains. The exercise began with joint planning and professional exchanges on shore, followed by a series of at-sea drills focusing on gunnery firing, manoeuvring, and communication.

The exercise wrapped up with a ceremony at Muara Naval Base, reinforcing the strong defence relationship between Singapore and Brunei that dates back to 1979. The annual Exercise Pelican strengthens cooperation, understanding, and interoperability between the two navies, which also engage in regular visits and professional exchanges, further solidifying the bonds between their service members.

About the OPV KDB Darussalam

The KDB Darussalam (06) is the lead ship in its class of offshore patrol vessels operated by the Royal Brunei Navy. Built by Lürssen Werft and entering active service with its commissioning in May 2011, the vessel is stationed at the Muara Naval Base. With a displacement of 1,625 tons and measuring 80 meters in length with a 13-meter beam, the KDB Darussalam is powered by two MTU 12V diesel engines.

Its operational capabilities include a maximum speed of 22 knots, a range of 7,500 nautical miles, and the ability to sustain operations for up to 21 days. The ship carries two Boomeranger boats and a Boomeranger Patrol Craft equipped with a 7.62mm gun. It has a crew capacity of over 55 personnel.

For navigation and situational awareness, the vessel is equipped with a Terma Scanter 4100 search radar, Thales Sting EO MK2 fire control radars, and Furuno navigation radars. It also features an electronic support measures system and a decoy launching system for electronic warfare and countermeasures.

Armaments on the KDB Darussalam include a Bofors 57 mm gun, two Oerlikon 20mm cannons, and four Exocet MM40 Block 3 missiles. Additionally, the vessel has a helicopter landing platform, allowing for the operation of one helicopter to support various maritime missions.