SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): More than 25,000 military personnel drawn from the naval, land and air forces of 29 countries, including Singapore, are taking part in a 36-day naval warfare exercise off the coast of Hawaii.
This year, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Formidable-class frigate RSS Stalwart is involved in “high-end naval warfare” training with other navies at Exercise Rim of the Pacific (Rimpac), which will end on Aug 2, said the Defence Ministry in a statement on July 14.
It is leading a task unit at the exercise consisting of three other ships from the Republic of Korea, Mexico and the United States, and taking part in practice runs such as manoeuvring drills and underway replenishment – the process of transferring fuel or supplies from one ship to another while on the move.
A team of 16 Singapore navy personnel deployed to shore command centres is also helping to plan and coordinate the execution of the exercise.
The RSS Stalwart successfully fired two Aster surface-to-air live missiles, taking down two inbound missiles that were simulated using high-speed, sea-skimming aerial drones.
The ship’s commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Sam Tan, said the firing was successful, and added that it is a key milestone in validating Singapore’s anti-air defence capabilities. He also said it reflects the precision and effectiveness of Singapore’s anti-air warfare capabilities.
This is the ninth time since 2008 that the Singapore navy is taking part in Exercise Rimpac, which is the world’s largest international maritime exercise. Hosted by the US Navy, it aims to foster cooperation and readiness among participating nations.
In 2024, about 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces and more than 150 aircraft are taking part in the exercise, which began on June 28. - The Straits Times/ANN
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