Senior defence officials from Singapore and the United States met in Washington D.C. to strengthen defence cooperation and discuss regional security priorities under their longstanding strategic partnership.
Washington D.C., 8 November 2025 — Singapore’s Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Heng Kee and United States Under Secretary of War for Policy Mr Elbridge Colby co-chaired the 15th Singapore–US Strategic Security Policy Dialogue (SSPD) at the Pentagon on 7 November (Singapore Time). Established in 2006, the annual dialogue is the highest-level institutionalised policy platform between both countries’ defence establishments, providing strategic direction for bilateral defence cooperation.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the excellent and longstanding defence relationship between Singapore and the United States. Mr Chan expressed appreciation for the US’ consistent support for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), including training access and defence technology collaboration. The dialogue also explored opportunities to further strengthen cooperation under the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding regarding US use of facilities in Singapore, as well as deepen engagement in defence technology and industrial base cooperation.
Mr Chan and Mr Colby also exchanged views on current geopolitical developments and regional security challenges. Both officials reaffirmed the importance of continued US engagement in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly through multilateral platforms such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus). They noted the value of sustained military-to-military interactions through joint exercises such as Exercise Pacific Griffin, Exercise Tiger Balm, Exercise Valiant Mark, and Exercise Cope Tiger.
While in Washington D.C. from 5 to 7 November, Mr Chan also met with US Secretary of the Army Mr Daniel Driscoll and Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Mr Thomas DiNanno. These meetings reinforced the shared commitment of both nations to uphold regional stability and deepen cooperation in areas of mutual strategic interest.
Source: Singapore Ministry of Defence
