SAF Honours its Best Units

The Singapore Army's 1st Commando Battalion (1 Cdo Bn), the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s RSS Punggol and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s 145 Squadron (SQN) have clinched the Best Combat Unit, Best Maritime Security Unit and Best Fighter Squadron awards respectively in this year's Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Best Unit Competition. In total, 18 active units and 12 National Service (NS) units are recognised for their outstanding achievements in their respective formations. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing will present the awards to the winners at the SAF Day Parade on 1 July 2026 at the SAFTI Military Institute.

1 Cdo Bn achieved the Best Combat Unit in the SAF Best Unit Competition for the 23rd consecutive year, winning the award a record 40 times since the introduction of the competition in 1969. Trained to operate deep within enemy territory, the SAF Commandos are renowned for their high proficiency in specialised competencies such as airborne operations, reconnaissance, and raid missions. Commanding Officer (CO) of 1 Cdo Bn, MAJ Marcus Cheong, said, "Winning the Best Combat Unit reflects the commitment of every serviceman who has given their best to defend Singapore. The men of 1 Cdo Bn understand the weight of the responsibility entrusted to us in defending the nation and we do not take this achievement, or the peace and security Singapore enjoys, for granted. Anchored on our core values, we will continue to strengthen our culture of excellence where every Commando is committed to pushing boundaries, mastering the fundamentals, and executing them to the highest standard".

The year's Best Maritime Security Unit goes to the Bedok-class Mine Countermeasure vessel (MCMV) RSS Punggol. RSS Punggol displayed high operational readiness and availability over the past year, fulfilling 100% of her high readiness core duties and successfully participated in Exercise Joint Minex Pandu 2026, the bilateral mine countermeasure (MCM) and clearance diving exercise with the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL). Operating under 6th Flotilla, the MCMVs safeguard Singapore's maritime security by keeping vital sea lines of communication safe from underwater mine threats. This critical mission ensures the uninterrupted and safe passage of thousands of vessels through one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Commanding Officer of RSS Punggol, MAJ Chen Qinghe, said, "We are honoured to be awarded the Best MARSEC Unit. We are also very honoured to have achieved our fourth consecutive Flotilla Best Ship Award and third MCM Best Gun Award. This is testament to the crew's unwavering dedication, professionalism, and operational grit. I am incredibly proud of the crew, and the Flotilla's support in our shared commitment. We will continue honing our skills to be a professional Mine Counter Measure force that contributes to the safety and security of our seas."

The RSAF's 145 SQN has won the Best Fighter Squadron for 2026 in recognition of its outstanding operational performance and sustained excellence. This marks the Squadron's fifth win since its formation in 1984, having previously clinched the award in 1998, 2000, 2012 and 2014. Operating the RSAF's F-16 fighter aircraft, 145 Squadron undertakes a wide spectrum of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, maintaining a high level of operational readiness and combat capability to ensure the security of Singapore's skies. The Squadron also plays a key role in developing F-16 fighter aircrew through advanced training for newly qualified and operational pilots. Through rigorous training and realistic exercises, 145 SQN continually hones its professional competencies and sharpens its combat edge, enabling it to raise, train and sustain combat-ready personnel and capabilities for the defence of Singapore. Commanding Officer of 145 Squadron, LTC Matthew Foo, said, "Receiving the Best Fighter Squadron award is a proud achievement for 145 Squadron. It reflects the collective dedication, professionalism and fighting spirit of every member of 145 Squadron, who consistently strives to maintain the highest standards of operational readiness and mission excellence. Anchored in the values of Accountability, Purpose and Trust, we have built a cohesive and resilient team focused on achieving excellence together. This recognition belongs not only to the Squadron, but also to our partners across various communities including 5 Air Engineering and Logistics Group and Tengah Air Base for their strong partnership and support. While we celebrate this achievement, we remain focused on our core mission and stand ready to defend Singapore whenever duty calls."

The annual SAF Best Unit and Best NS Unit Competitions were introduced in 1969 and 1993 respectively to recognise units which have excelled in the areas of combat readiness, operational proficiency, and administrative excellence. The units are assessed based on a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process over the past year. The competitions also serve to enhance mission excellence, professionalism, and camaraderie among servicemen in the SAF units.

More Resources

Winners of SAF Best Unit Competition 2026