SINGAPORE - The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ended a five-day exercise on Friday which saw the two navies take part in manoeuvres including air defence and anti-submarine warfare.

Exercise Singaroo, the 17th in the series since 1995, started on Sept 29 and was conducted in the South China Sea. This year's exercise was hosted by Singapore, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Friday.

It comprised three-dimensional warfare serials such as an air defence exercise, a combined helicopter anti-submarine warfare exercise and gunnery firing.

The RSN participated with RSS Tenacious, a Formidable-class stealth frigate, with an embarked S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter, while the RAN deployed HMAS Stuart, an ANZAC-class frigate, with an embarked S-70B-2 multirole naval helicopter.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft also participated in the exercise.

Commanding Officer of RSS Tenacious, Lieutenant-Colonel Ho Jee Kien, said, "Exercise Singaroo has been an avenue for the RSN and RAN to deepen professional sharing and strengthen friendships.

"The success of the exercise is a testament to the high level of interoperability that we have built up over the years."

Exercise Singaroo is one of many bilateral interactions between the Singapore and Australia defence establishments, Mindef said.

Both countries enjoy a close and long-standing defence relationship. Apart from exercises, both armed forces also interact frequently through visits, professional exchanges and military courses, it added.