Senior Minister of State for Defence Heng Chee How attends Shoalwater Bay ceremony, celebrating a new phase in Singapore-Australia defense ties.

Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr. Heng Chee How attended the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) Commemorative Ceremony today in Queensland, Australia, marking the completion of the expanded SWBTA. Jointly developed by Singapore and Australia since 2016, the expanded SWBTA supports advanced training for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), fulfilling key provisions of the Treaty on Military Training and Training Area Development in Australia under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

During the ceremony, Mr. Heng emphasized the value of Singapore-Australia defense collaboration, saying, “The completion of this expanded Shoalwater Bay Training Area is a historic milestone for both defense establishments. It is a tangible symbol of the abiding trust between us, and it strengthens our bilateral defense relationship.” The expanded area, five times the size of Singapore, offers both armed forces high-quality, sophisticated training grounds, including state-of-the-art facilities like the Combined Arms Air-Land Ranges and Urban Operations Live-Firing Facilities, which will support both nations in honing operational capabilities and readiness for future challenges.

Australian Defence Department Secretary Mr. Greg Moriarty expressed mutual appreciation, stating that the expanded SWBTA exemplifies the shared commitment to security and stability in the region. “This world-class military training facility allows both nations to build on the complexity and sophistication of exercises we conduct together, advancing our shared interests in regional stability,” Mr. Moriarty said.

As part of his visit, Mr. Heng toured the new SWBTA facilities aboard an RSAF CH-47F Chinook helicopter and observed the ship-to-shore projection component of Exercise Trident, an annual bilateral military exercise. He interacted with SAF and ADF personnel, expressing gratitude for the Australian government and local community’s support of SAF’s training activities.

The event underscored the strong, long-standing defense relationship between Singapore and Australia. Next year, the two nations will celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, symbolizing decades of close military cooperation through high-level visits, joint exercises, and professional exchanges.

Source – MINDEF