The Singapore Armed Forces and the Bundeswehr conducted a successful joint live-firing exercise in Oberlausitz, strengthening defence cooperation and military professionalism.
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) conducted a bilateral live-firing exercise from 8 to 12 March 2025 at the Oberlausitz Military Training Area (OMTA), Germany, as part of Exercise Panzer Strike.
Approximately 100 personnel from the 1st Company, 48th Battalion Singapore Armoured Regiment (48 SAR) trained alongside their German counterparts from Panzerlehrbataillon 93. The exercise included professional exchanges, where both armies discussed Standard Operating Procedures, Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures to enhance interoperability.
Exercise Panzer Strike, held annually since 2009, provides valuable training opportunities for SAF’s Armour Formation. The spring and autumn training frames feature 14 Leopard 2SG Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) and 14 Hunter Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs), allowing Singaporean personnel from 48 SAR and the Armour Training Institute to hone their gunnery and manoeuvre skills through a series of live-firing drills.
The vast OMTA training space—about a quarter the size of Singapore—enables complex mission execution on a larger scale. With concurrent live-firing of up to four ranges, armoured units can train more efficiently and realistically. This 16th edition of the exercise has strengthened the SAF Armour Formation’s professionalism and capabilities, while reinforcing military ties between the Singapore Army and the German Armed Forces.
Beyond training, Exercise Panzer Strike highlights strong defence relations between Singapore and Germany. Both countries engage in regular military exchanges, high-level visits, joint dialogues, cross-attendance of professional courses, and technological collaboration. These interactions continue to deepen military cooperation and enhance the operational readiness of both armed forces.
Source – MINDEF
