Bersama Shield 2018 concludes off Singapore, Malaysia

The bi-annual Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA)-nation exercise Bersama Shield took place in the sea and skies of Malaysia and Singapore and concluded May 15.

Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom participated in the exercise, focusing on the conduct of a combined joint maritime, land and air operations in a multi-threat environment.

Australia’s Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral David Johnston, said the ADF’s ongoing support to exercise Bersama Shield 18 is another example of Australia’s commitment to regional security and stability.

“This exercise allowed us to build on our already strong relationship with the FPDA nations,” Vice Admiral Johnston said.

“The FPDA has fostered successful, practical cooperation amongst its members for close to 50 years. Exercise Bersama Shield demonstrated the continued commitment by all members to pursuing closer interoperability.”

The exercise involved approximately 440 ADF personnel, Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion maritime patrol and King Air aircraft, and Royal Australian Navy ships HMAS Toowoomba and HMAS Success.

Bersama Shield 18 was conducted from 27 April to 15 May 2018. The next exercise in the series, exercise Bersama Lima, will occur in October 2018.