Singapore and US joint naval exercises to focus on maritime warfare

SINGAPORE (AFP) Jun 01, 2004
Singapore and the United States began their 10th annual joint naval exercises here on Tuesday with more than 1,500 personnel and 12 ships from both countries participating.

In a joint statement, the Singapore and US defence ministries said the 12 days of exercises would focus on maritime warfare, specifically anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine strategies.

The ministries said the exercises, which will be held in Singapore's waters as well as in the South China Sea, were a continuation of the two nations' "excellent defence relations".

"The two countries' armed forces interact regularly through numerous activities, ranging from exercises and joint training to staff talks, personnel exchanges and courses," the statement said.

The exercises come amid a backdrop of heightened global maritime security fears, with Singapore leading international calls for greater multilateral efforts to protect Southeast Asia's shipping lanes.

WAR.WIRE