Singapore Honours Admiral David Johnston for Strengthening Defence Ties
Australia Chief of the Defence Force Admiral (ADML) David Johnston was conferred Singapore’s highest military honour, the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) [Distinguished Service Order (Military)], by Singapore President Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) in Singapore on Thursday morning.
ADML David Johnston received the award in recognition of his significant contributions towards strengthening defence cooperation between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Under ADML David Johnston’s leadership, both militaries expanded bilateral exercises, improved interoperability, and strengthened professional and people-to-people exchanges.
During ADML David Johnston’s tenure, Singapore and Australia signed the Memorandum of Understanding concerning Enhanced Defence Cooperation (eDC MOU) in October 2025. The agreement supports deeper military cooperation under the Australia-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) 2.0, including expanded access to defence facilities, enhanced cooperation in defence science and technology, logistics support, supply chains, and professional military exchanges.
ADML David Johnston also strongly supported SAF training activities in Australia, helping Singapore improve operational readiness through valuable overseas training opportunities. Both countries commemorated key milestones including the 35th anniversary of SAF training in Shoalwater Bay in 2025 and the 10th anniversary of the bilateral Exercise Trident in 2024.
The investiture ceremony was attended by Singapore Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing, Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral (VADM) Aaron Beng, senior government officials, and military officers from Singapore. ADML David Johnston, who is visiting Singapore from 6 to 7 May 2026, also called on Mr Chan Chun Sing and VADM Aaron Beng at MINDEF after inspecting the Guard of Honour.
Source: MINDEF
