The joint military exercise enhances interoperability and amphibious assault capabilities.
Exercise Trident 2024
Over 1,900 personnel from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) are currently conducting a large-scale amphibious exercise in Australia’s Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA). Codenamed Exercise Trident, the exercise runs from November 6 to November 15, 2024. This exercise involves both land and sea assaults, including soldiers coming ashore from ships and then advancing inland to capture objectives.
Multinational Coordination
During the exercise, the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) landing ships, RSS Endurance and RSS Persistence, are used to ferry troops and vehicles to the shore. Additionally, Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) helicopters, including CH-47F Chinooks and AH-64D Apache attack helicopters, provide air support and troop transport. Heron I unmanned aerial vehicles also monitor enemy movements from above.
The exercise has a special focus on assaulting both jungle and urban terrain. After initial troop landings in jungle areas by RSAF helicopters, further landings are made at Freshwater Bay, where troops travel by vehicles to assault urban objectives.
Training in Challenging Conditions
This year’s exercise marks a first for both Singaporean and Australian forces in practicing amphibious assaults in more challenging sea conditions than those found in Singapore’s calmer waters. Senior Lieutenant-Colonel Enriquez Michael Zachary of the SAF emphasized that the vast SWBTA allows for complex maneuvers and multi-service operations, which are difficult to replicate in Singapore.
The exercise also emphasizes the importance of interoperability, with Singaporean and Australian soldiers operating together. Singapore Army’s 3rd Battalion, Singapore Guards, and the ADF’s 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, are working alongside each other, including platoon exchanges to strengthen collaborative skills.
Technological Collaboration
Alongside the military exercises, defense scientists from both nations are showcasing technological advancements. Collaborating on a series of demonstrations, the teams deployed an integrated network of unmanned vehicles and a tactical 5G communications system to enhance urban operations, marking the first time such technology has been used in the SWBTA during this type of exercise.
