Bilateral exercise focused on naval interoperability, professional exchanges and regional maritime security.
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) conducted the 34th edition of Exercise Malapura from 26 to 30 October 2026, reinforcing bilateral naval cooperation and professional ties between the two countries.
Held at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base and Tuas Naval Base, the annual maritime exercise comprised shore-based training, professional exchanges, warfare planning, people-to-people interactions and sports activities.
The RSN participated with personnel from its Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV), RSS Sovereignty, and Formidable-class Frigate, RSS Formidable. The RMN delegation comprised approximately 30 personnel, including crew members from the Lekiu-class Frigate, KD Lekiu, and Kasturi-class Corvette, KD Kasturi, as well as staff from the Western Fleet Headquarters.
At the opening ceremony, RSN Fleet Commander Colonel Bertram Ang highlighted the exercise’s role in developing operational cooperation and strengthening personal relationships between the two navies.
“The RSN and RMN share a warm and enduring friendship through exercises such as Malapura. At a professional level, the chance to train together, by planning and executing various serials and warfare tactics, strengthens our ability to work together,” he said.
He added that interoperability remained important for regional maritime security, while the exercise also provided opportunities for personnel from both navies to build friendships and trust.
Captain Khairuddin bin Mohamad Paudzi, Head Readiness, Western Fleet, RMN, described Exercise Malapura as a mutually beneficial annual engagement. He said the 34th edition allowed both navies to review planning processes, practise coordination and assess the arrangements supporting the exercise.
He also highlighted their shared interests in maritime security, safe sea lines of communication and regional stability, noting that the lessons and relationships developed during the exercise would support future engagements.
First held in 1984, Exercise Malapura reflects the longstanding defence relationship between Singapore and Malaysia. Both navies maintain regular interactions through bilateral exchanges, cross-attendance of courses and multilateral activities under the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus.
The navies also cooperate with regional partners through the Malacca Straits Patrol to enhance maritime security along the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, an important international shipping route.
In 2025, the RSN and RMN signed the Arrangement for Mutual Submarine Rescue Support and Cooperation, establishing a framework for mutual assistance in the event of a submarine incident. These initiatives continue to support practical naval cooperation and strengthen professional and people-to-people relations between the two countries.
Source: MINDEF
