Earlier today, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s Formidable-class frigate RSS Stalwart arrived at Ma Xie Naval Base in Zhanjiang, China to participate in the bilateral Exercise Maritime Cooperation with the People’s Liberation Army (Navy) [PLA Navy]. The exercise will be conducted from 1 to 5 September 2024.

Exercise Maritime Cooperation 2024 is the third in the series since its inauguration in 2015. This year’s exercise will comprise: (a) a shore phase at Ma Xie Naval Base from 1 to 2 Sep 24, and (b) a sea phase in waters off Zhanjiang from 3 to 5 Sep 24. During the shore phase, personnel from both navies will engage in planning exercises and professional exchanges. At sea, both navies will conduct a range of serials, including helicopter cross-deck landing, gunnery firing, search and rescue and manoeuvring exercises, as well as familiarisation of voice procedures for simulated firings. RSS Stalwart will also observe the unilateral conduct of various serials by the PLA Navy ships, such as vessel boarding and mine clearance serials. 

RSS Stalwart is on the final leg of its three-month deployment, which included several bilateral and multilateral exercises, including the multinational group sails from Singapore to Hawaii, Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), a passage exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force, and Exercise Maritime Cooperation. RSN’s participation in these exercises is part of the ongoing efforts to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation with a wide network of international partners.