The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) concluded the thirtieth version of Train Malapura right this moment, which is the biggest in scale of the train collection thus far. Held from 4 to 14 November 2022, this 12 months’s train noticed the inaugural participation of the RSN’s Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessel RSS Unity, RMN’s Keris-class Littoral Mission Ship KD Badik, in addition to two F-16 fighter plane and a Fokker-50 maritime patrol plane from the Republic of Singapore Air Power (RSAF). Different taking part property 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 additionally deployed a Lekiu-class Frigate KD Lekiu, with a Tremendous 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 train 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, the place they collectively unveiled the thirtieth version Train Malapura commemorative coin.
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Commenting on the importance of Train Malapura in the course of the commemorative dinner, RADM Beng mentioned, “The train is the cornerstone of the bilateral relationship between our navies and certainly, it was the primary bilateral train between our two armed forces, and stays a key train for the SAF…The scope of the train has additionally step by step elevated and step by step encompassed extra, not solely various kinds of serials, but in addition throughout totally different domains.” Expressing confidence within the relations between the RSN and the RMN, ADM Tan Sri Mohd Reza added, “I imagine the experiences gained from Train Malapura will strengthen the deep bonds of friendship which have existed and can proceed to be strengthened between the 2 navies…Via unwavering friendship and continued engagement, we are going to keep a gentle course in reaching a secure and safe maritime surroundings on this area.”
Throughout the shore part from 4 to 7 November, personnel from each navies performed joint planning {and professional} exchanges, whereas incorporating commemorative actions. Throughout the sea part from 8 to 13 November, each navies performed a variety of serials, together with gunnery firing, maritime surveillance, air defence, manoeuvring and communication drills, and a commemorative sail-past. The train concluded with an train debrief in Lumut Naval Base. Established in 1984, Train Malapura underscores the nice and cozy and long-standing defence ties between Singapore and Malaysia. The RSN and RMN work together repeatedly throughout a variety of actions. These embody skilled exchanges and programs, in addition to multilateral actions underneath the ambit of the 5 Energy Defence Preparations and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Assembly (ADMM)/ADMM-Plus. The 2 navies additionally work carefully to boost maritime safety by way of the Malacca Straits Patrol.
