The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Swedish Navy (RSwN) concluded on December 10 their ninth annual Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Exchange Programme, codenamed Lejon Singa, in the island state.
The Defense Ministry of Singapore said in a statement that the exchange programme included a Command Post Exercise and presentations by the two navies on MCM-related subjects. It said that the successful conclusion of the 12-day program starting from November 29 reflects the good relations and long-standing cooperation between the RSN and RSwN.
In mid of November, Swedish Defence Minister Leni Bjorklund was also in Singapore at the invitation of the Defence Minister of Singapore for a four-day introductory visit. During the visit, the Swedish minister toured Changi Naval Base, the RSAF’s Flight Simulation Centre, the Underground Ammunition Facility, the SAF Centre for Military Experimentation, and DSO National Laboratories.
There is substantial cooperation in military training especially between the two navies. The Singapore and Swedish navies have been conducting the Lejon Singa countermine exercise since 1996. The two countries also collaborate in the research and development of defence technology, leading to several signed agreements.