Australia Start Support for Fiji's Maritime Capability

09 Desember 2019

Australia also give Guardian patrol ship for Fuji (photo : Aus DoD)

Groundbreaking support for Fiji's maritime capability

Assistant Defence Minister and Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Alex Hawke MP, together with Fijian Minister for Defence, National Security and Foreign Affairs, the Hon Inia Seruiratu, on December 3, turned the first sod for a major upgrade to Stanley Brown Wharf in Suva, Fiji.

The redeveloped Stanley Brown Wharf will provide safe and secure berthing for the new Guardian-class Patrol Boats to be delivered under the Australian Government’s Pacific Maritime Security Program.

Minister Hawke said this is another example of Australia and Fiji working closely together to deliver infrastructure that supports the priorities of Fiji’s security agencies.

“I am proud to be here with my Fijian partners to mark this first step in the redevelopment of Stanley Brown Wharf,” Minister Hawke said.

“The importance of the upgraded wharf will be fully recognised when the new Guardian-class Patrol Boats are delivered to Fiji. The upgraded wharf will provide a safe and secure home for the larger and more capable patrol boats.

“The Guardian-class Patrol Boats are a continuation of over 30-years of cooperation in the maritime security domain and an important capability of our Fijian partners.”

Minister Hawke reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to deepening security cooperation with Fiji through a range of initiatives.

“Australia is pleased to partner with Fiji on a number of projects including the redevelopment of Blackrock Camp and the design of the Maritime Essential Services Centre, as well as this wharf upgrade,” Minister Hawke said.

“These projects enhance the long-standing relationship between our two nations, built through decades of engagement in the areas of peacekeeping, training and exchanges, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.”

The Pacific Maritime Security Program is a commitment of AUD$2 billion over 30 years, designed to increase regional maritime security across the Pacific region.

(Aus DoD)

Singapore, US Sign Agreement for RSAF Training Detachment in Guam

07 Desember 2019

RSAF F-16C/D and F-15SG (photo : Sing Gov)

SINGAPORE: Singapore and the United States have agreed to set up a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) fighter training detachment in Guam, its fourth such detachment on US territory.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Saturday (Dec 7) by Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and his US counterpart, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper.

It lays out the framework for the RSAF’s detachment in Guam, covering the deployment of F-15SG and F-16 fighter aircraft and other supporting assets to the Anderson Air Force Base for training.

The agreement was reached following studies conducted with the US on a number of factors, including the suitability of the training area, infrastructure and other types of support, said Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).

“The vast training airspace in Guam will allow the RSAF to conduct realistic training, to hone their capabilities and readiness,” it said.

Guam to be Fourth RSAF Detachment in US

Due to airspace constraints in Singapore, the RSAF has to look overseas to meet its training requirements.

Guam will be the air force’s fourth detachment on US territory after the Peace Carvin II F-16 fighter detachment at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, Peace Carvin V F-15SG fighter detachment at Mount Home Air Force Base in Idaho and Peace Vanguard AH-64 Apache helicopter detachment at Marana, also in Arizona.

The RSAF also has training detachments in Australia and France.

“These overseas detachments serve RSAF’s training needs to maintain operational readiness for Singapore’s air defence,” said MINDEF.

“This detachment in Guam, alongside other fighter deployments which train in the region such as in Australia, India and Thailand also allow quick redeployment of assets back to Singapore when required.”

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has trained in Guam since the 1990s and has deployed RSAF aircraft to the island since 2017 to conduct training with the US.

The possibility of Singapore establishing an RSAF training detachment in Guam was mentioned in 2016 in a joint statement between the two countries.

At the signing of the agreement on Saturday, Dr Ng said the training detachment allows the RSAF fighter force to achieve operational readiness.

It also reaffirms Singapore's position that the region's stability requires the influence and presence of the US, he added. 

In his meeting with Mr Esper, Dr Ng expressed appreciation for the US' support for SAF's training in the country. Both men also reaffirmed the “excellent and long-standing defence relationship” between Singapore and the US, MINDEF said.

They also discussed a range of geopolitical developments, including the need to work closely with ASEAN countries to address regional security issues such as counter-terrorism, the ministry said.

Dr Ng is in the US until Sunday to attend the 7th Reagan National Defense Forum, where he will speak at a panel session titled Advancing US National Defense: Working with Allies and Partners.

(CNA)