12-9-2023 (SINGAPORE) The Singapore Army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China have successfully concluded Exercise Cooperation in Singapore. The joint military exercise, which took place from September 1 to September 12, involved personnel from the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) 3rd Singapore Division, 1st Commando Battalion, and the PLA Southern Theatre Command-Army’s 74th Army Group.
This year’s exercise marked the first time it was conducted since 2019, primarily due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus of the exercise was urban counter-terrorism operations, with both armies participating in a battalion-level command post exercise. In addition, they engaged in professional exchanges to enhance their understanding of counter-terrorism operations within the context of a rescue scenario.
The activities carried out during the exercise included fast roping, rappelling, hand-to-hand combat, small-arms live firing, as well as cohesion-building activities. Exercise Cooperation, now in its fifth edition since its inception in 2009, demonstrates the Singapore Army’s commitment to conducting bilateral and multilateral exercises with foreign armies. These exercises aim to strengthen mutual cooperation and foster closer relationships with other nations.
