Singapore hosted Exercise SUMAN Protector, a Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) command post exercise, from 10 to 28 Oct 2022 at the Changi Command and Control Centre in RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base. Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Chief of Army General Tan Sri Zamrose Mohd Zain officiated the opening ceremony on 12 Oct 2022 while Singapore's Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Melvyn Ong officiated the closing ceremony earlier today. The FPDA Consultative Council members^[1] also visited the exercise on 26 Oct. Held every five years, this year's exercise was the fourth in the series and involved about 280 personnel and various support elements from the FPDA member-nations comprising Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

At the closing ceremony, LG Ong highlighted that Exercise SUMAN Protector is, and will continue to be, a valuable platform for strengthening professional military interactions among the FPDA countries amidst the evolving global security landscape as well as an excellent opportunity to enhance mutual understanding and build meaningful friendships. He said, "Now more than ever, the FPDA remains an integral part of our regional security architecture. The FPDA contributes to regional peace and security by providing a platform for professional military intervention. Apart from the professional aspects, the exercise also allowed participants to forge professional friendships and professional linkages and allowed fellow military professionals from the various member-nations to have a shared experience to bond over things other than the professional side."

Exercise SUMAN Protector aims to strengthen cooperation between the militaries of the FPDA member-nations, and build capabilities to respond to an increasingly complex security environment. This year's exercise saw participants coming together as a combined joint task force to plan and conduct a joint campaign, which covered scenarios in conventional and non-conventional operations including Counter-Terrorism, Maritime Security, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, and Non-Combatant Evacuation. As part of the FPDA's continuous efforts to enhance its transparency and build trust and confidence in the region, non-FPDA ASEAN representatives were invited to observe the exercise.

Since the FPDA's founding in 1971, FPDA activities have grown in scope and complexity to meet the needs of the changing regional security environment. The FPDA has constantly evolved to remain relevant, and plays a pivotal role in anchoring the regional security architecture. The SAF's regular participation in FPDA exercises is a strong testament to Singapore's support for and commitment to the FPDA.