Exercise BERSAMA LIMA 24, an annual military training exercise involving troops and equipment, took place last month in Singapore. The exercise included the nations of the Five Powers Defence Arrangements and showcased their enduring commitment to the regional security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
The Five Powers Defence Arrangements is a multilateral security framework established in 1971, coinciding with the independence of Malaysia. It comprises Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. The arrangement has provided a consistent and reliable security presence in the Malaysian peninsula and the wider region for over five decades.
Exercise BERSAMA LIMA 24 provided a valuable opportunity for the five nations to enhance interoperability, strengthen relationships, and demonstrate their collective commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The exercise involved a range of activities, including air, land, and maritime components, designed to test and improve the five participating nations’ ability to respond to a variety of security challenges.
The UK’s participation in BERSAMA LIMA 24 reinforced its commitment to the Indo-Pacific region. The Five Powers Defence Arrangements plays a crucial role in the UK’s vision for a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, where international rules and norms are upheld.
This is an important example of security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, demonstrating the ongoing commitment of the Five Powers Defence Arrangements and its ability to adapt to the changing security environment. The UK and its partners remain dedicated to working together to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.