The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) wrapped up Exercise Pelican 2023, strengthening decades-old defense ties.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) have successfully concluded the 41st edition of Exercise Pelican, a longstanding bilateral exercise between the two naval forces. The exercise took place from the 6th to the 9th of November 2023 in Muara, Brunei. This year’s iteration featured the RSN’s Sentinel-class Maritime Security and Response Vessel (MSRV) Sentinel and Formidable-class Frigate RSS Tenacious, alongside the RBN’s AS-SIDDIQ-class Patrol Vessel KDB AS-SIDDIQ, Darussalam-class Offshore Patrol Vessel KDB Darussalam, and Ijtihad-class Fast Patrol Boat KDB Syafaat. Notably, this marked the first-time participation of both the RSN’s MSRV Sentinel and the RBN’s KDB AS-SIDDIQ.

During the opening ceremony, RSN Fleet Commander Colonel Kwan Hon Chuong emphasized the significance of Exercise Pelican to both navies, reflecting on its growth over the years. He stated, “From humble beginnings over forty years ago, Exercise Pelican has grown tremendously in scope and complexity. At sea, we have progressed from basic maneuvering and communications to complex warfare serials. This has sharpened our skills and capabilities in various domains of warfare. And ashore, we have also benefited greatly, by sharing our experience and expertise with each other during professional exchanges and shore training serials.”

Throughout the exercise, personnel from both navies engaged in joint planning and professional exchanges onshore on the 6th of November. The sea phase, held from the 7th to the 8th of November, saw both navies conducting various serials, including gunnery firing, maneuvering, and communication drills in the waters off Muara, Brunei. The exercise culminated with a closing ceremony at Muara Naval Base, Brunei.

Established in 1979, Exercise Pelican underscores the close and enduring defense ties between Singapore and Brunei. This annual exercise serves to enhance mutual cooperation, understanding, and interoperability between the RSN and RBN. In addition to Exercise Pelican, the RSN and RBN maintain regular interactions through a range of activities, including visits and professional exchange programs. These interactions have further solidified the strong bonds between personnel from both navies.

Source – MINDEF