Image Credits: The Diplomat
Britain is intensifying its defense collaboration with Singapore as part of its strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Colonel Eddie Maskell-Petersen, the UK’s defense adviser to Singapore and head of its defense staff for Southeast Asia, outlined plans to enhance joint operations during a press briefing at the British Defence Singapore Support Unit (BDSSU) in Sembawang on August 14.
The focus is on expanding interactions between the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Navy, with British offshore patrol vessels HMS Spey and HMS Tamar currently deployed in the region. The RSN is set to engage with HMS Spey, docked at Sembawang naval base, to explore avenues for increased joint training and collaborative exercises, potentially including dedicated bilateral drills, according to Commander Paul Caddy, commanding officer of HMS Spey.
The HMS Spey and HMS Tamar have been operating in the Indo-Pacific since September 2021, undertaking missions that include patrolling against illegal fishing and monitoring United Nations sanctions on North Korea. This deployment underscores Britain’s commitment to bolstering regional security and its strategic engagement in the area.
Despite the absence of bilateral exercises since the early 2000s, Singapore and Britain regularly participate in multilateral drills under the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), which also includes Australia, Malaysia, and New Zealand. The FPDA, established in 1971, provides a framework for defense cooperation and mutual support in the event of armed conflict.
Singapore’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed discussions with the British side about enhancing joint activities, including potential passage exercises to deepen mutual understanding. The BDSSU, located next to Sembawang Shipyard, supports the British naval presence and is part of Britain’s ongoing commitment to the FPDA.
Additionally, British naval auxiliary vessel Argus, currently docked at the BDSSU, is participating in the Royal Navy’s littoral response group deployment. The versatile Argus, which can function as a hospital ship, recently supported joint exercises with US and Australian forces.
The BDSSU also oversees the nearby Senoko Oil Fuel Depot, which continues to serve visiting warships and aircraft. Established in 1938, the depot remains a vital component of Britain’s regional defense logistics.
British High Commissioner to Singapore, Nik Mehta, who recently assumed his post, announced that a British aircraft carrier strike group will visit Singapore next year. This visit will commemorate Singapore’s 60th independence anniversary and the long-standing diplomatic relations between the two nations. Mehta emphasized that the visit would be an opportunity for dynamic and innovative defense engagement.
Britain’s enhanced defense ties with Singapore reflect a broader strategy to reinforce its influence and commitment in the Indo-Pacific, demonstrating both nations’ dedication to regional stability and security.