The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is conducting a joint annual bilateral maritime exercise, Malapura 2013, with the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) at Changi Naval Base (CNB) in Singapore.
During the 12-day exercise, around 540 personnel from both navies will participate in joint planning and training at CNB, as well as perform manoeuvres in conventional naval warfare and maritime security, in the Malacca Strait.
The RSN will deploy its first DCNS-developed Formidable-class multi-mission frigate RSS Supreme (73), second Victory-class missile corvette RSS Valour and the second Singapore Technologies-built Fearless-class patrol vessel RSS Independence (87) for the exercise.
Yarrow Shipbuilders-built Lekiu-class frigate KD Lekiu (F30), in addition to Boustead Naval Shipyard-designed two Kedah-class offshore patrol vessels KD Kelantan (F175) and KD Selangor (F176), will represent the Malaysian Navy.
The 23rd in the series of exercises held since 1984, Malapura 2013 has been designed to boost mutual understanding and interoperability, as well as enhance professional ties among participating navy personnel.
In addition to bilateral exercises, the two nations collaborate through a number of professional exchanges and courses, as well as multilateral activities under the Five Power defence arrangements.
During Malapura 2012, RSN and RMN personnel participated in combined tactical and fire-fighting damage control exercises, while the ships and helicopters took part in conventional warfare and maritime interdiction trials that involved gunnery shoots, as well as air defence and boarding exercises.
The two navies are also working closely to boost maritime security through the Malacca Strait patrols arrangement.
Malapura 2013 started on 25 February and is scheduled to run until 8 March.
Image: RSN and RMN personnel working together as a part of Exercise Malapura. Photo: courtesy of Singapore Government.
