THE BILATERAL EXERCISE REAFFIRMED CLOSE DEFENCE TIES BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND THAILAND THROUGH JOINT TRAINING AND COOPERATION.
SINGAPORE — The Singapore Army and the Royal Thai Army (RTA) successfully concluded the 25th edition of Exercise Kocha Singa in Singapore from 8 to 14 January 2026. The exercise was hosted by Headquarters 8th Singapore Armoured Brigade and the 42nd Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment.
The 25th edition involved about 720 personnel from the Singapore Army and the RTA’s 3rd Infantry Battalion of the 29th Infantry Brigade. Conducted in Singapore, the exercise featured professional exchanges across a range of domains, including urban operations, live firing and digital map planning. Participants also trained using the Hunter Armoured Fighting Vehicle simulator.
The field training component culminated in a joint battalion-level assault, which was held at SAFTI City for the first time as part of Exercise Kocha Singa.
The opening ceremony was co-officiated by the Singapore Army’s Chief of Staff – General Staff, Brigadier General Wong Shi Ming, and the RTA’s Assistant Chief of Army, General Narongrit Kumpeera. In his opening address, Brigadier General Wong highlighted the significance of the milestone edition, noting that it reflected the close and longstanding bilateral defence relationship between the two armies, built on years of robust cooperation and professional exchanges.
First held in 1997, Exercise Kocha Singa underscores the enduring defence ties between Singapore and Thailand. Beyond bilateral exercises, both armies continue to engage through high-level visits, professional exchanges and the cross-attendance of military courses, contributing to sustained cooperation and regional stability.
SOURCE : MINDEF
