11-10-2023 (SINGAPORE) The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is making significant progress with the expansion of its training area in Australia, with completion expected by 2024. The expansion project, taking place in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, aims to enhance the SAF’s training capabilities and provide a larger space for conducting complex and large-scale exercises.
The annual Exercise Wallaby, the SAF’s largest unilateral overseas exercise, is held in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area. The expansive terrain, approximately four times the size of Singapore, allows personnel to engage in a wide range of training activities that would be impractical within Singapore’s limited space.
During a recent live-firing exercise as part of Exercise Wallaby 2023, the SAF showcased its operational readiness and effectiveness. The exercise involved a motorised battalion, which utilized various assets including Terrex infantry carriers, Belrex protected combat support vehicles, F-16D+ fighter jets, Apache helicopters, and Chinook helicopters. The exercise culminated in the successful capture of enemy territory, demonstrating the SAF’s capabilities in combat scenarios.
Senior Minister of State for Defence, Zaqy Mohamad, who visited the troops during the live-firing exercise, confirmed that the expansion of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area remains on track for completion in 2024. The expansion includes the development of an Urban Operations Live Firing Facility and Combined Arms Air-Land Range, which will enable advanced training, integrated exercises, and live-firings.
The expansion project is part of a treaty signed between Singapore and Australia in 2020, which focuses on military training and the development of training areas. Once completed, the expanded training area will be ten times the size of Singapore, allowing the SAF to conduct training for up to 18 weeks annually. This increased capacity will accommodate up to 14,000 personnel and involve up to 2,400 vehicles and equipment.
The expansion not only enhances the SAF’s training capabilities but also offers National Servicemen (NSmen) the opportunity to experience large-scale exercises in a realistic urban environment. This exposure to diverse training scenarios ensures that the SAF remains effective and capable of defending Singapore when necessary.
Major Hew Yin Hou, an F-16D+ weapon systems officer, highlighted the close collaboration between the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Army during Exercise Wallaby. He emphasized the importance of the RSAF’s role in providing air support and firepower when needed. Major Hew also expressed his appreciation to the Australian government, the Australian Defence Force, and local communities for their support and hospitality over the past 33 years of conducting Exercise Wallaby.
Exercise Wallaby 2023 marked the largest edition of the exercise in seven years, with approximately 4,300 personnel and 450 assets from the Singapore Army, RSAF, and Republic of Singapore Navy participating. The exercise showcased the SAF’s commitment to maintaining operational readiness and its ability to adapt to dynamic and challenging environments.
