The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) concluded Exercise Singsiam in Sattahip and the Gulf of Thailand, focusing on maritime security and disaster relief drills.
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) successfully concluded Exercise Singsiam today. The exercise took place from July 7 to July 15, 2024, in Sattahip, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. This year, the RSN deployed the Victory-class missile corvette RSS Valiant and the Independence-class littoral mission vessel RSS Indomitable. The RTN participated with the Naresuan-class frigate HTMS Taksin, the Adulyadej-class frigate HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej, a Dornier-228 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and an S-70B naval helicopter.
Throughout the exercise, both navies engaged in various maritime security and conventional warfare drills. These included gunnery firings, vertical replenishment, communication exercises, and manoeuvring serials. A significant addition to this year’s exercise was a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) shore planning exercise.
The opening ceremony, held at Leamtien Port in Sattahip on July 9, 2024, was co-officiated by Commander of the 3rd Flotilla, Colonel (COL) Siswi Herlini, and Royal Thai Navy Commanding Officer of Frigate Squadron 2, Rear Admiral Natthapong Pansopon. COL Herlini emphasized the importance of the exercise, stating, “This exercise is an important component of our strong bilateral relations. Both our navies have benefited from exercising together, and the exercise is a good platform for our officers and sailors to foster camaraderie, mutual understanding, and cooperation.”
Exercise Singsiam, now in its 21st edition since its inception in 1981, has grown in scope and complexity over the years, incorporating more advanced naval drills. Beyond Exercise Singsiam, the RSN and RTN regularly engage in professional exchanges and courses, further solidifying the long-standing defence ties and enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation between the two navies.
Source – MINDEF
