FPDA Exercises
FPDA exercises focus on the external defence of Malaysia and Singapore, and high-end conventional warfighting serials. Over a five-year cycle, the FPDA conducts a variety of field training exercises (FTX) and command post exercises (CPX).
Field Training Exercises (FTX)
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BERSAMA SHIELD
BERSAMA SHIELD is a tactical integration exercise for FPDA air and maritime forces at the tactical-level. Hosted by HQIADS, the exercise occurs annually in Malaysia and Singapore, and routinely involves over 50 aircraft, 3-6 ships and several ground-based air defence units.
The exercise has been held annually since 2004, evolving from earlier FPDA exercise iterations such as STARDEX, FLYING FISH, and STARFISH.
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BERSAMA LIMA
BERSAMA LIMA is a tactical-level exercise with an operational-level headquarters aimed at exercising FPDA combined and joint forces, including a land element. It is planned and led by the Malaysian Armed Forces or Singapore Armed Forces in alternate years.
In addition to augmentation at the Combined and Joint HQ, BERSAMA LIMA routinely sees 60-80 aircraft, 10-15 ships, 1-2 submarines and a Land Component.
Command Post Exercises (CPX)
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SUMAN WARRIOR
SUMAN WARRIOR is an annual land-based CPX solely to exercise FPDA land forces up to Brigade level. This exercise is unique in that it is hosted by each of the five nations and is the only FPDA exercise to occur outside of Singapore and Malaysia.
The name SUMAN is an acronym from the first letters of the five nations; the exercise has occurred since 1990.
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SUMAN PROTECTOR
SUMAN PROTECTOR occurs every 5 years and is the culminating activity in the exercise programme. Hosted by Malaysia or Singapore, it is a Tier 3 operational CPX designed to exercise an FPDA Combined and Joint Task Force headquarters to plan for and execute a military operation for the defence of Malaysia and Singapore against a conventional threat.
Up to 400 personnel are involved at the headquarters, and the exercise also allows deeper engagement with other government agencies and non-governmental organisations.
Navy ships from Singapore, Malaysia, United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia conduct a formation exercise during Exercise BERASMA Gold 21
Aircrafts from FPDA member-nations conducting a flight formation during Exercise BERSAMA GOLD 21
HMAS Anzac conducts small arms firing on a splash target during Exercise BERSAMA GOLD 21
Military aircraft from the Royal Malaysian Air Force, Republic of Singapore Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force conduct a formation flight during Exercise BERSAMA GOLD 21
FPDA Maritime Task Group (Combined Task Group 657.1) conducts a PHOTEX in formation during Exercise BERSAMA SHIELD 17
Air Plans briefing during Exercise BERSAMA LIMA 18
FPDA Land Component conducts fitness training
Air operations planners from Singapore, Malaysia and Australia discuss future mission profiles during Exercise BERSAMA LIMA 18
FPDA ships conduct maritime manoeuvres
HMAS Anzac fires her 5-inch naval gun while conducting a high sea firing serial during BERSAMA GOLD21
Royal Air Force (RAF) VC10 tanker conducts air-to-air refuelling on Exercise BERSAMA LIMA 11
Air crews from FPDA Air Component meet after a forcedown serial
Exercise Control (EXCON) staff at RMAF Butterworth for Exercise BERSAMA SHIELD 22
Infantry from Singapore and Australia clearing an obstacle course during Exercise BERSAMA LIMA
A rehearsal of concept drill in preparation for the culminating phase of Exercise SUMAN WARRIOR 18
HMAS Ballarat boat crew conducts maritime security training with Royal Malaysian Navy ship KD Lekir
Exercise BERSAMA LIMA 23 held in Malaysia. Opening ceremony attended by augmentees from 5 FPDA nations
A table top exercise during Introduction to FPDA Warfare Course (IFWC) in HQIADS
Members from HQIADS participating in Exercise SUMAN PROTECTOR 22 held in Singapore
Participants from the member nations during BERSAMA SHIELD 24 held in Malaysia
A Table Top Exercise conducted during SUMAN WARRIOR 23
Jungle Training during BERSAMA LIMA 23
DCIADS presented the Good Show Award to BERSAMA SHIELD 24 participants in recognition of their contributions
Table Top Exercise Discussion during SUMAN WARRIOR 24
The Malaysian Battle Group Commander delivering a briefing on their Armed Forces capabilities.
The Brigade Commander receives a brief from the multi-national Headquarters’ Staff.
Singapore Chief of Defence, Vice-Admiral Aaron Beng delivering an address during Exercise BERSAMA LIMA 24
Chief of Defence Force, Singapore Armed Forces, Vice-Admiral Aaron Beng handing over Exercise BERSAMA LIMA 25 to Chief of the Defence Force, Malaysian Armed Forces, General Tan Sri Dato' Seri Mohammad Ab Rahman.
Combat rations were systematically distributed to all participating personnel as part of the XBS 25
Chief of Staff of HQIADS delivered a comprehensive briefing to all participating personnel during XBS25
HMAS Ballarat conducting Air Defence Exercise during XBL 25
Members from Singapore Armed Forces performing firing maneuver during XBL 25
RMAF Hawk conducting aerial refueling during XBL 25
Land elements preparing for ambush in XBL 25
Ships from the member nations in PHOTEX XBL 25
GBAD unit preparing for Air defence during XBL 25
Friendly exchange between RSAF and RAMF pilots in XBL 25
A traditional Māori welcome ceremony (pōwhiri) was performed during Suman Warrior 25, marking the formal commencement of the exercise and honouring the arrival of FPDA participants.
A tabletop exercise (TTX) was conducted with the participants of Suman Warrior 25, allowing the battle groups to discuss operational plans, validate decision-making processes, and refine their coordinated responses to the exercise scenario.
Upcoming FPDA Exercise Events
Bersama Lima 26 MPC
11 May 26 to 13 May 26
Singapore
Suman Warrior FPC
8 Jun 26 to 12 Jun 26
Malaysia
Bersama Lim 26 FPC
06 Jul 26 to 08 Jul 26
Singapore
Suman Warrior 26
14 Sep 26 to 25 Sep 26
Malaysia
Suman Protector CDC 26
30 Sep 26 to 02 Oct 26
Malaysia
Bersama Lima 26
05 Oct 26 to 23 Oct 26
Singapore
FPDA Exercise Events
Bersama Lima 26 MPC
11 May 26 to 13 May 26
Singapore
Suman Warrior FPC
8 Jun 26 to 12 Jun 26
Malaysia
Bersama Lim 26 FPC
06 Jul 26 to 08 Jul 26
Singapore
Suman Warrior 26
14 Sep 26 to 25 Sep 26
Malaysia
Suman Protector CDC 26
30 Sep 26 to 02 Oct 26
Malaysia
Bersama Lima 26
05 Oct 26 to 23 Oct 26
Singapore
FPDA Observer Programme
The FPDA established an observer programme in 2007 as part of Reassurance to the region. ASEAN member states, represented by their Defence Advisors and senior government officials, attend and observe FPDA exercises.
This enhances the FPDA’s transparency and non-threatening posture, and builds confidence that the FPDA is defensive in nature and not targeted against any particular country.
FPDA and ASEAN Defence Advisors and Attaches at Exercise BERSAMA SHIELD 2019