A joint naval exercise between the Singapore and United States saw the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) Maritime Patrol Aircraft successfully fire a harpoon missile at a target in the South China Sea.

The live-firing was part of the annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise. The sea drill, which is in its 19th year, also involved the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the United States Marine Corps.

The 12-day exercise, which ends on July 26, was witnessed by Senior Minister of State for Defence Chan Chun Sing. Also present was Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Ng Chee Peng.

Mr Chan, who is also Acting Minister for Social and Family Development, said that the bilateral sea exercises strengthened the defence relationship between Singapore and the US.