Defense leaders from FPDA nations pledge support for the arrangement’s future at the 12th FDMM in Singapore.
Minister for Defence Dr. Ng Eng Hen hosted the 12th Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) Defence Ministers’ Meeting (FDMM) in Singapore today. The meeting included key representatives from member nations: Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, Malaysian Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins KC, and the United Kingdom’s Director General (Security Policy) Paul Wyatt.
During the meeting, the ministers and director general reaffirmed their commitment to the FPDA and pledged to enhance its operational value. They highlighted the FPDA’s strategic importance as a constructive and transparent defense arrangement contributing significantly to regional security. Discussions also focused on adapting the FPDA to contemporary security challenges and incorporating next-generation capabilities in future exercises. Notable inclusions are New Zealand’s P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, Australia’s F-35 fighter jets, elements of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group, and various unmanned systems.
At a joint press conference, the leaders underscored the FPDA’s role in fostering regional cooperation, trust, and military interoperability. Dr. Ng noted the FPDA’s enduring relevance, calling it the “grandfather of multilateralism” and stressing its importance in the modern era. Additionally, the official FPDA website was launched, aimed at providing public insight into the arrangement’s functions and objectives.
The ministers and director general also called on Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the Istana. PM Wong expressed strong support for the FPDA and discussed regional security challenges, emphasizing the FPDA’s pivotal role as a unique multilateral defense arrangement.
The FDMM, held every three years and alternately hosted by Singapore and Malaysia, is the FPDA’s highest decision-making platform, facilitating critical dialogue and cooperation among member nations.
Source – MINDEF