REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE NAVY (RSN) AND ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY (RNZN) CONDUCT EXERCISE LION ZEAL

REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE NAVY (RSN) AND ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVY (RNZN) CONDUCT EXERCISE LION ZEAL
1. The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) will be conducting Exercise Lion Zeal from 29 Aug to 2 Sep 05. This year’s exercise, the 6th in the bilateral Lion Zeal series, is being hosted by the RSN and will take place in the South China Sea. The Maritime Component Commander of the RNZN, Commodore Jack Steer, and the RSN’s Commander Coastal Command, Colonel Tan Wee Beng, jointly officiated at the exercise opening ceremony, which took place at Tuas Naval Base this morning.

2. Ex Lion Zeal 05 features a total of four ships and one helicopter from the two navies. The RNZN will be participating with the frigate HMNZS Te Kaha and her Super Seasprite naval helicopter. The RSN’s ships are the missile corvettes RSS Vigilance and RSS Valour and the anti-submarine patrol vessel RSS Fearless. Some of the key activities that will take place during the exercise include maritime security serials and a live firing against a towed air target.

3. Ex Lion Zeal 05 serves to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between the RSN and the RNZN, and strengthens the defence relationship between Singapore and New Zealand. The two armed forces interact regularly in Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) activities, as well as other multilateral exercises and professional exchanges.

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