Singapore Navy Participates in Multinational Naval Exercise RIMPAC 2024 and Validates Air Defence Capabilities

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s Formidable-class frigate RSS Stalwart is participating in high-end naval warfare training alongside other navies at Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC). Held in the waters off Hawaii from 28 June to 2 August 2024 (Singapore time), RIMPAC 2024 involves approximately 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft, and more than 25,000 personnel from 29 nations.

This year, the RSN is leading a task unit, comprising three other ships^[1] from the Republic of Korea, Mexico, and United States, in a series of complex naval warfare serials in the air, surface and sub-surface domains, including manoeuvring drills and underway replenishment. A team of 16 RSN personnel, working alongside our international counterparts, was also deployed in the shore command centres to plan and coordinate the smooth execution of the exercise.

During the exercise, RSS Stalwart also successfully fired two Aster surface-to-air live missiles to take down two simultaneous inbound missiles, which were simulated by high-speed, sea-skimming aerial drones.

RSN Fleet Commander, Rear Admiral (RADM) Kwan Hon Chuong, who was on board to witness the firing, highlighted the value of the RSN's participation in large-scale exercises like RIMPAC, and said, "The scale and scope of RIMPAC provides us with a unique opportunity to hone our multi-dimensional warfare capabilities, and enhance cooperation with other navies. We also successfully fired two Aster surface-to-air missiles against two simultaneous inbound targets, demonstrating RSN's capabilities, strong crew proficiency, and high level of operational readiness to execute complex missions. The exercise has facilitated the deepening of professional ties and friendships between participating navies, which is vital for building mutual trust and understanding as we work together to ensure safe and secure seas."

Reflecting on RSS Stalwart's accomplishment, Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Sam Tan shared, "The successful firing represents a significant milestone for the RSN in validating our anti-air defence capabilities, and reflects the precision and effectiveness of our anti-air warfare (AAW) suite. I am extremely proud and honoured that RSS Stalwart was able to achieve mission success and fly Singapore's flag high."

Hosted by the United States Navy, Exercise RIMPAC is the world's largest international maritime exercise, fostering cooperation and readiness among participating nations. This is the ninth time the RSN has participated in the biennial exercise since its inaugural involvement in 2008.

^{[1]The three ships are the Republic of Korea Navy's Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin -class destroyer ROKS Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin, the Mexican Navy's Reformador-class frigate ARM Benito Judrez, and the United States Navy's Arleigh Burke-ass destroyer USS Gridley.}