Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen hosted the 12th Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) Defence Ministers' Meeting [FDMM] in Singapore earlier today. The meeting was attended by Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, Malaysian Defence Minister Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins KC, and the United Kingdom's Director General (Security Policy) Paul Wyatt.

During the meeting, the Ministers and Director General reaffirmed their nations' commitment to the FPDA and pledged their support for the FPDA's efforts to enhance the operational value of its exercises. They noted the strategic relevance of the FPDA as a constructive, transparent, and peaceful defence arrangement which plays an important role in the regional security architecture. The Ministers and Director General also discussed how the FPDA can evolve to remain relevant and keep pace with contemporary security developments. Member-nations also look forward to the incorporation of next-generation capabilities in future FPDA exercises, such as the P-8 maritime patrol aircraft from New Zealand, the F-35 fighter jets from Australia, and elements of the UK's Carrier Strike Group, as well as unmanned systems.

At a joint press conference after the meeting, the Ministers and Director General reaffirmed the importance of the FPDA in enhancing regional cooperation and pledged their support for the FDPA's efforts to build trust and interoperability among the militaries of member-nations. Reflecting on the role of the FPDA in the region, Dr Ng said, "The FPDA is now 53 years old, and it is the 'grandfather of multilateralism'. Many things have changed since the FPDA was formed in 1971, but it remains relevant today. We will make it even more relevant for the future."

During the joint press conference, the official FPDA website was also launched. This website seeks to give additional insight to the public on how the FPDA functions as a defensive arrangement aimed at building trust and confidence in the region.

As part of the FDMM, the Ministers and the UK's Director General also called on Prime Minister (PM) Lawrence Wong at the Istana, during which PM Wong expressed strong support for the FPDA. PM Wong also had discussions with the Ministers and Director General on regional developments and security challenges, and he acknowledged that the FPDA continues to play a pivotal role as a unique multilateral and defensive arrangement.

The FDMM is held every three years, with Singapore and Malaysia taking turns to host. It is the highest decision-making platform of the FPDA, and it serves as a valuable platform for dialogue and exchange of views among the FPDA Defence Ministers.