On the same page: (From left) Chief of Defence Force of Singapore Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, Chief of Defence Force of Australia General Angus Campbell, Malaysian Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman, Chief of Defence Force of New Zealand Air Marshal Kevin Short and Vice Chief of the Defence Staff of the United Kingdom General Gwyn Jenkins. — ONG SOON HIN/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The members of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FDPA) are planning a five-year road map for future military partnerships.
The road map as well as a directive will guide the evolution of its exercises and initiatives, enhancing its capacity for both conventional and non-conventional operations, according to FDPA.
The five partners of the pact are Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.
“The directive and road map will improve interoperability and deepen interactions among the armed forces of FPDA member nations,” it said in a joint statement yesterday.
The pact also promised to develop capabilities in maritime security, counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as the cyber and information domains.
“The FPDA continues to stay relevant by adapting to evolving security challenges and reinforcing its operational value in conventional spheres,” it said.
The joint statement was issued after the deliberation of the road map at the 22nd FPDA Defence Chiefs’ Conference, which was attended by military leaders from member nations, at a hotel here.
Also central to the conference discussions was the issuance of the FPDA Exercise Concept Directive 2023, it added.
Speaking to reporters after the conference, Malaysian Armed Forces chief Jen Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman said further programmes and engagements between the militaries of FPDA countries will be enhanced.
“This will undoubtedly enhance cooperation on traditional military operations and interoperability and foster stronger bonds among the armed forces of our five member nations,” he said.
Among the military exercises highlighted is the ongoing “Exercise Bersama Lima”, which began Oct 2 and will conclude on Oct 20.
“This exercise engaged a substantial force of 2,500 personnel, 44 aircraft and seven ships, demonstrating a multifaceted approach to military preparedness.
“Elevating capacity in conventional and non-conventional operations will prepare FPDA member nations to respond more resiliently to dynamic security challenges from geopolitical dynamism and rapid technological advancement,” he said.
When asked about the ongoing South China Sea dispute, Australian Defence Force chief Gen Angus Campbell said its military will continue its presence there according to international laws.
“You are right to point out that Australia and many other countries are present in the South China Sea, and we have been there for many decades.
“And we will continue to do so, operating under international laws as all nations do, or as I would encourage all nations to do,” he said.
He added that disputes should be resolved peacefully and “through the principles of international law”.
“That is the basis for countries to both feel secure and build prosperity in the region, which we are utterly committed to,” he said.
Jen Mohammad added that Asean countries, Malaysia especially, stressed the “importance of Asean centrality” regarding the ongoing maritime dispute.
