Singapore and Brunei conduct bilateral naval exercise

The Republic of Singapore Navy and the Royal Brunei Navy are conducting a bilateral naval exercise from Monday to Friday, the city-state's Ministry of Defence said on Monday. The exercise, codenamed Exercise Pelican and hosted by Singapore's navy, marks the 32nd in the series. It was first introduced in 1979. According to the ministry's press release, Formidable-class stealth frigate, the RSS Tenacious, and missile corvette, the RSS Valour from Singapore side, as well as Darussalam-class patrol vessel, the KDB Darulehsan, and the Ijhtihad-class fast patrol boat, the KDB Afiat from Brunei side, are taking part in the exercise this year. The two navies will "be conducting a series of tactical discussions and simulation exercises in naval warfare such as anti- surface, anti-submarine, anti-air and maritime air operations," the ministry added. It is also said that the navies from the two countries regularly interact by visits, professional exchanges and cross- attendance of courses, which have "enhanced the mutual understanding and camaraderie between the personnel of the two navies."