Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III reinforce robust defence ties during a meeting at the Pentagon, discussing collaboration, recent agreements, and mutual support
SINGAPORE’S Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, met with US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III, at the Pentagon on 7 December 2023 (Singapore time). The meeting aimed to reaffirm the longstanding and strong bilateral defence relations between Singapore and the United States.
During the discussions, Dr Ng and Secretary Austin emphasized the excellent defence relationship and the mutually beneficial partnership between the two nations. They explored avenues to enhance cooperation between their respective defence establishments, highlighting the recent signing of the Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA). This agreement, inked by Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) Mr. Melvyn Ong and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Dr. William A. LaPlante, enables both countries to prioritize the delivery of critical industrial resources during unforeseen supply chain disruptions.
Dr Ng expressed gratitude for the US’ continuous support for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), particularly in training and technology requirements. This includes the basing of Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) training detachments in the US and the ongoing acquisition of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Secretary Austin appreciated Singapore’s consistent support for the US military presence in and engagement with the Asia-Pacific region. The two leaders also engaged in discussions about geopolitical developments and regional security issues.
Dr Ng expressed gratitude for the US’ continuous support for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), particularly in training and technology requirements. This includes the basing of Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) training detachments in the US and the ongoing acquisition of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Secretary Austin appreciated Singapore’s consistent support for the US military presence in and engagement with the Asia-Pacific region. The two leaders also engaged in discussions about geopolitical developments and regional security issues.
The defence establishments of Singapore and the US maintain regular interaction through military-to-military exchanges, training programs, cross-attendance of courses, and collaboration in defence technology. Notably, both countries renewed the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Regarding United States Use of Facilities in Singapore in 2019. Additionally, an MOU concerning the establishment of an RSAF Fighter Training Detachment at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, was signed. In 2021, an MOU was announced for hosting the RSAF’s future F-35B fighter aircraft at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Arkansas, along with the relocation of its F-16 fighter training detachment from Luke Air Force Base. Moreover, in August 2021, an MOU on cooperation in cyberspace was signed to institutionalize cyber defence collaboration between the two nations.
Dr Ng’s visit to the US spans from 5 to 7 December (Singapore Time). During his visit, he met with House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers and had discussions with House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Dr Ng is scheduled to speak at the Opening Reception of the Aspen Security Forum: DC Edition later today.
Source – MINDEF
