The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) have concluded the 41st edition of Exercise Pelican – a flagship bilateral exercise between the two navies. Held from 6 to 9 November 2023 in Muara, Brunei, this year's exercise involved the RSN's Sentinel-class Maritime Security and Response Vessel (MSRV) Sentinel and Formidable-class Frigate RSS Tenacious, and the RBN's AS-SIDDIQ-class Patrol Vessel KDB AS-SIDDIQ, Darussalam-class Offshore Patrol Vessel KDB Darussalam and Ijtihad-class Fast Patrol Boat KDB Syafaat. Exercise Pelican 2023 marked the inaugural participation of both the RSN's MSRV Sentinel and the RBN's KDB AS-SIDDIQ.
During the exercise's opening ceremony, RSN Fleet Commander Colonel Kwan Hon Chuong highlighted the significance of Exercise Pelican to both navies. He said, "From humble beginnings over forty years ago, Exercise Pelican has grown tremendously in scope and complexity. At sea, we have progressed from basic manoeuvring and communications to complex warfare serials. This has sharpened our skills and capabilities in various domains of warfare. And ashore, we have also benefitted greatly, by sharing our experience and expertise with each other during professional exchanges and shore training serials."
During the exercise, personnel from both navies conducted joint planning and professional exchanges ashore on 6 November. During the sea phase from 7 to 8 November, both navies conducted various serials, including gunnery firing, manoeuvring and communication drills in the waters off Muara, Brunei. The exercise concluded with a closing ceremony today at Muara Naval Base, Brunei.
Established in 1979, Exercise Pelican underscores the close and long-standing defence ties between Singapore and Brunei. The annual exercise enhances mutual cooperation, understanding, and interoperability between the RSN and RBN. Besides Exercise Pelican, the RSN and RBN also interact regularly through a range of activities, including visits and professional exchange programmes. These interactions have reinforced the strong bonds between personnel from both navies.