2. This year's exercise is held in the South China Sea, where both navies will conduct a range of maritime operations, such as maritime surveillance, air defence and anti-submarine warfare. The RSN is participating in the eight-day exercise with a frigate (RSS Intrepid), a missile corvette (RSS Valour) and a submarine (RSS Conqueror). Joining them are a guided missile frigate (HMAS Arunta) and a patrol boat (HMAS Bathurst) from the RAN. Aircraft from the Republic of Singapore Air Force will provide anti-surface warfare support for the exercise. This series of annual exercises aims to enhance the interoperability of the two navies.

3. Singapore and Australia share close and friendly defence ties. The RSN and the RAN engage in a wide range of activities, which include bilateral and multilateral exercises as well as professional exchanges. These extensive interactions have strengthened mutual understanding and professional ties between the personnel of both navies.