SINGAPORE AND THE UNITED STATES REAFFIRMED STRONG DEFENCE TIES AND DISCUSSED DEEPENING BILATERAL COOPERATION DURING A HIGH-LEVEL VISIT.
SINGAPORE — The Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (US INDOPACOM), Admiral (ADM) Samuel Paparo, made an introductory visit to Singapore from 21 to 24 January 2026.
On 22 January 2026, ADM Paparo called on Singapore’s Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing, at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) in Singapore. During their meeting, both sides reaffirmed the excellent and longstanding defence relationship between Singapore and the United States, and exchanged views on enhancing defence cooperation, including closer engagement between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the US military.
As part of his visit, ADM Paparo also called on Singapore’s Chief of Defence Force, Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, following an inspection of the Guard of Honour at MINDEF. He visited Changi Naval Base, where he was briefed on developments within the Republic of Singapore Navy, including its unmanned capabilities. ADM Paparo is also scheduled to visit SAFTI City to receive briefings on how the facility supports more realistic and effective training through smart instrumentation and battlefield effects simulators.
The visit underscored the strong and enduring defence partnership between Singapore and the United States. Both defence establishments engage regularly through high-level visits, professional exchanges, cross-attendance of courses and seminars, as well as bilateral and multilateral exercises such as Exercise Tiger Balm and Exercise Cobra Gold. These interactions continue to enhance professionalism, strengthen cooperation and build close ties between personnel from both countries.
Source : MINDEF
