1.             The Singapore and Australian armies conducted a bilateral armour exercise, Exercise Matilda, in the Mount Bundey Training Area in Darwin, Australia from 7 to 23 September 2009. About 180 personnel from the 48th Singapore Armoured Regiment (48 SAR) participated in the exercise with their counterparts from the 1st Armoured Regiment in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

2.             As part of the 17-day exercise, personnel from 48 SAR and the 1st Armoured Regiment conducted a series of tactical missions together and exchanged information on Main Battle Tank (MBT) operations and tactics. The exercise culminated today in a live-firing by the MBTs of both forces.

3.             The Singapore Armed Forces and the ADF enjoy strong and long-standing defence ties. Both forces engage in a wide range of activities, which include bilateral and multilateral exercises as well as professional exchanges. These extensive interactions have greatly enhanced mutual understanding and friendship between personnel of both forces.

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