SINGAPORE AND NEW ZEALAND REAFFIRMED STRONG AND ENDURING DEFENCE TIES DURING A VISIT TO A KEY BILATERAL TRAINING EXERCISE.
Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad visited Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) troops participating in Exercise Thunder Warrior in New Zealand on 27 January 2026. The exercise is being conducted at the Waiouru Military Training Area and runs from 14 January to 14 February 2026.
First held in 1997, Exercise Thunder Warrior is an annual artillery live-firing exercise. This year’s edition involves more than 420 personnel from the 244th Battalion (244SA) and 24th Battalion (24SA) of the Singapore Artillery. During the visit, Mr Zaqy observed an integrated battalion live firing, involving the Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer, supported by the Weapon Locating Radar and the Field Artillery Meteorological System.
Mr Zaqy commended the SAF personnel for their professionalism and operational readiness, noting their ability to train and perform effectively in a challenging environment. He highlighted that the safe and successful conduct of the exercise demonstrated the competence of the SAF, including its National Service units.
During the visit, Mr Zaqy also spoke with New Zealand’s Associate Minister for Defence, Mr Chris Penk. Both sides reaffirmed the close and longstanding defence relationship between Singapore and New Zealand, and discussed ways to deepen cooperation following the recent upgrade of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Areas of potential collaboration discussed included unmanned systems and supply chain resilience. Mr Zaqy also expressed appreciation for New Zealand’s continued support for the SAF’s overseas training.
The defence establishments of both countries maintain extensive engagement through exercises, cross-attendance of courses, professional exchanges and visits, including under the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus. These interactions continue to strengthen people-to-people ties and foster mutual trust and understanding between the two armed forces.
Source : MINDEF
