Exercise Bersama Lima 2024 (XBL24) is a Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) exercise involving assets and personnel from Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom. XBL24 is hosted in Singapore and led by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). The opening ceremony was officiated by Singapore Chief of Defence Force (CDF) Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, together with Malaysian CDF General Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohammad bin Ab Rahman and representatives from the other FPDA nations in attendance to witness the ceremony.

Held from 1 to 18 October, this year’s exercise involves more than 2,000 personnel, 38 aircraft, five ships, four ground-based air defence systems, more than 250 ground troops, and four dive teams. Naval assets conducted serials such as manoeuvring exercises, naval gun firing, air-defence exercises and diving serials, while the Air Forces exercised combined air operations, complex air defence scenarios, and Air-Land training in the form of troop lift missions. The land forces conducted professional exchanges and force integration training that will culminate in a field exercise involving both jungle and urban environments.

XBL24 saw the inaugural participation of fifth-generation fighter aircraft such as the six F-35As from Australia and a P-8A maritime patrol aircraft from New Zealand, which increased the overall exercise complexity and training value. The exercise was designed based on the guidance by the FPDA Defence Ministers’ Meeting held in Singapore in May. XBL24 also synchronised exercise scenarios between the command post and the various field exercises and units to enhance operational realism. To keep pace with contemporary security developments, the exercise also included Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) on a variety of topics – including diving safety, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

Highlighting the importance of the exercise, Exercise Director, RSN’s Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Kwan Hon Chuong said, “Exercise Bersama Lima 2024 has been designed to deepen the strong partnership and interoperability among our militaries. I am confident that all our participants will find great professional value and forge friendships through the exercise.”

The FPDA was formed in 1971 and has evolved over the years to adapt to the changing regional security landscape. The SAF’s participation in FPDA exercises, including Exercise Suman Warrior and Exercise Bersama Shield, is valuable as these exercises promote cooperation and mutual understanding between the SAF and other militaries from member-nations.