The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) are conducting a bilateral naval exercise, Exercise Singsiam, from 21 to 30 March 2022. Hosted by the RSN this year, the opening ceremony was co-officiated by Fleet Commander Rear-Admiral (RADM) Saw Shi Tat and Royal Thai Fleet Commander-in-Chief Admiral (ADM) Suvin Jangyodsuk at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base on 21 March 2022. RADM Saw and ADM Suvin also unveiled a commemorative logo to mark the 20th edition of the exercise, since its inception in 1981.

 

This year's exercise saw the participation of the RSN's Formidable-class frigate RSS Formidable with an embarked S-70B naval helicopter, Victory-class missile corvette RSS Valiant, and Independence-class littoral mission vessel RSS Fortitude; and the RTN's Naresuan-class frigate HTMS Naresuan, Chao Phraya-class frigate HTMS Saiburi and one S-76B naval helicopter.

 

As part of the sea phase, both navies conducted a series of maritime security and conventional warfare drills in the Malacca Strait and Andaman Sea. These included gunnery firings, maritime surveillance as well as communication and manoeuvring serials. The exercise will conclude with a closing ceremony in Phuket on 30 Mar 2022.

 

Highlighting the value of Exercise Singsiam, RADM Saw said, "This exercise is a cornerstone of our bilateral relations. Both our navies have derived good value from exercising together and this is an opportunity for our officers and sailors to build friendship, mutual understanding and interoperability."

 

As part of ADM Suvin's visit to Singapore, he also called on Chief of Navy RADM Aaron Beng, and visited the RSN's Formidable-class frigate RSS Tenacious and Information Fusion Centre.

 

Exercise Singsiam has expanded in scope and increased in complexity over the years to include more advanced naval serials. The good understanding established has also enabled both navies to conduct combined missile firing exercises and collaborate in maritime security operations. Besides Exercise Singsiam, both navies also interact regularly across a range of activities including professional exchanges and courses. These interactions continue to underscore the close and long-standing defence ties between Singapore and Thailand, and strengthen the mutual understanding and cooperation between the two navies.