Australian Forces Wrap Up Exercise Bersama Shield

Australian aircraft, ships and personnel have completed a 10-day exercise in Malaysia to strengthen ties between Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Exercise Bersama Shield 15 (BS15) is an annual Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) Field Training Exercise conducted in Singapore, Malaysia and the South China Sea from May 8 to 18, 2015.

The exercise prepared about 380 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel for work with FPDA partners to contribute to the security of Singapore and Malaysia and stability in South East Asia.

Australia’s contribution to BS15 included Royal Australian Navy Submarine, HMAS Rankin, and Anzac Class Frigate, HMAS Perth, along with Royal Australian Air Force aircraft including two AP-3C Orions and a KA350 King Air.

Bersama Shield 15 included preparation phase consisting of six-days of Combat Enhancement and Force Integration Training, including a harbour training period for maritime assets and a flying program for air assets.

The exercise also included a one-day sports event, a two-day War Exercise (WAREX) phase and a post-exercise debrief.

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Image: Australian Defence