The Republic of Singapore Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy mark the 40th anniversary of Exercise Malapura with enhanced collaboration and maritime security drills.
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) have successfully concluded the sea phase of the 32nd iteration of Exercise Malapura, a bilateral maritime exercise. This year’s edition, held from 13 to 23 November 2024, also celebrates the 40th anniversary of this longstanding naval collaboration.
The RSN deployed its Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme, equipped with an S-70B naval helicopter, alongside Victory-class missile corvettes RSS Valiant and RSS Vigilance. The RMN fielded its Lekiu-class frigate KD Lekiu, accompanied by a Fennec helicopter, a Kasturi-class corvette KD Lekir, and Handalan-class Fast Attack Craft KD Gempita. The exercise also featured two Royal Malaysian Air Force F/A-18D fighter jets and two fast combat boats, adding depth to the drills.
From 13 to 16 November, the shore phase at Changi Naval Base facilitated professional exchanges, exercise planning, and sports activities to foster camaraderie. The sea phase, conducted in the Malacca Strait from 17 to 20 November, included air defence exercises, gunnery firings, maritime security drills, and coordinated manoeuvres.
At the opening ceremony on 14 November, RSN Fleet Commander Rear-Admiral (RADM) Kwan Hon Chuong underscored the significance of the exercise in enhancing the partnership and professionalism between the two navies. He remarked, “Exercise Malapura is the cornerstone of the bilateral relationship between our navies and continues to be a vital exercise for the RSN. We have progressively enhanced our collaboration and strengthened friendships amongst the sailors as the exercise serials become increasingly complex and challenging. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of our shared emphasis in regional maritime security.”
The closing ceremony, scheduled for 23 November at Langkawi Naval Base, will be co-officiated by RADM Kwan and RMN Western Fleet Commander Vice-Admiral Mohamad Azuwan bin Harun. RSN Chief of Navy RADM Sean Wat and RMN Chief of Navy Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy bin Ithnain, who attended the opening ceremony, will also be present to commemorate the milestone.
Established in 1984, Exercise Malapura highlights the enduring defence cooperation between Singapore and Malaysia. Both navies engage in regular bilateral exercises, professional exchanges, and multilateral initiatives, such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the Five Power Defence Arrangements. Additionally, the RSN and RMN collaborate on the Malacca Straits Patrol to bolster regional maritime security. These consistent interactions have strengthened practical cooperation and professional ties between the two navies.
Source: MINDEF
