Singapore Navy Enhances Interoperability in Multilateral Exercise Kakadu

The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN's) Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme with an embarked Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter and a Republic of Singapore Air Force Fokker-50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft is participating in the multilateral Exercise Kakadu. Hosted by the Royal Australian Navy, the biennial exercise is being held in the Northern Australian Exercise Area off the coast of Darwin, Australia from 9 to 19 September 2024. This year's exercise is the largest in the series, with over 10 ships, one submarine, over 10 aircraft and around 3000 participants from 32 nations.

The shore phase of the exercise was held from 9 to 11 September 2024, and a Fleet Commanders' Conference was held in conjunction with the exercise. The theme of the Conference was on Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) and discussions focused on sharing best practices. During the sea phase of the exercise from 12 to 18 September 2024, the participating navies conducted high-end multi-dimensional conventional naval warfare training. RSS Supreme took charge of the deployment of ships and air assets from various nations to detect and engage the simulated submarine threats.

Commanding Officer of RSS Supreme, Lieutenant Colonel Sing Geok Wei said, "Exercise Kakadu is an important platform that allows like-minded navies to train realistically and to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen warfare competencies."

This year's Exercise Kakadu is the 16th in the series. The exercise provides an invaluable opportunity for the participating navies to strengthen cooperation and people-to-people ties.