Singapore and Brunei Navies Conduct Bilateral Exercise Pelican

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) are conducting the 42nd edition of Exercise Pelican - the flagship bilateral exercise between both navies. Held from 5 to 8 August 2024 in RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base, this year's exercise focuses on a series of shore planning exercises and professional exchanges, involving personnel from the RSN's Sentinel-class Maritime Security and Response Vessel (MSRV) Protector and Formidable-class frigate RSS Tenacious, and the RBN's AS-SIDDIQ-class Patrol Vessels KDB AS-SIDDIQ and KDB AL-FARUQ.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Commanding Officer of MSRV Protector Major Victor Sim highlighted the significance of Exercise Pelican. He said: "Exercise Pelican has come a long way since its inception more than forty years ago and will remain a cornerstone of our bilateral relations. Both navies have benefitted greatly through the cross-sharing of experience and expertise. This year's exercise will further strengthen mutual understanding and warfare fundamentals of the participants, especially during the warfare scenario play at the RSN's Naval Tactical Trainer."

The exercise will conclude on 8 August, with RSN Fleet Commander Rear-Admiral (RADM) Kwan Hon Chuong and RBN Fleet Commander Captain Sahibul Bahari bin Haji Abidin co-officiating the closing ceremony.

Established in 1979, Exercise Pelican underscores the close and long-standing defence ties between Singapore and Brunei. The annual exercise enhances mutual cooperation, understanding, and interoperability between the RSN and RBN. Besides Exercise Pelican, the RSN and RBN also interact regularly through a range of activities, including visits and professional exchange programmes. These interactions have reinforced the strong bonds between personnel from both navies.