Leaders from Five Power Defence Arrangements affirm 55-year-old defence pact’s strategic relevance

SINGAPORE – Top defence officials from the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) reaffirmed their nations’ commitment to the longstanding security framework at a meeting hosted by Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing on May 31.

The five leaders at the breakfast meeting, on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, agreed on the continued strategic relevance of the arrangement, which plays an important role in the regional security architecture.

Formed in 1971, the FPDA brings together Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and Britain in a consultative security framework.

The arrangement was established following the British military withdrawal from the region, to ensure Singapore and Malaysia have recourse to help in the event of an imminent armed attack.

A regular feature of the annual defence summit held at the Shangri-La hotel in Singapore, the FPDA meeting was attended by Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, New Zealand Defence Minister Chris Penk, Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and British director-general for security policy Paul Wyatt.

Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said the FPDA has increased the capabilities of member nations’ militaries in working together on several aspects, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as maritime security.

Every year, military personnel from the five countries convene for Exercise Bersama Shield in the first half of the year, and Exercise Bersama Lima, held in the second half. The military exercises focus on Singapore’s and Malaysia’s external defence.

Later in the day, Chan met several of his counterparts in a series of bilateral meetings and a ministerial roundtable.

At a meeting with Australia’s Marles, the two men reaffirmed the close and longstanding defence relationship between the two countries, including participation in the FPDA, said MINDEF.

They also commended the progress made on initiatives to enhance both militaries’ reciprocal access to defence facilities in Australia and Singapore and step up cooperation in several areas, including defence science and technology.

Chan also expressed his appreciation for Australia’s continued support in jointly developing training areas and advanced training facilities in the Pacific nation.

Chan also met Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, and the two leaders agreed to meet regularly to discuss developments in the region and advance defence cooperation.

Singapore and Japan mark 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.

In a meeting with Germany’s State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Defence Nils Hilmer, Chan and Hilmer acknowledged that the two countries need to collaborate to tackle security challenges across regions. These include supply chain resilience, building on a supply chain resilience arrangement signed with Germany in March, MINDEF said.

Chan also separately met Norwegian Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik and Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, with discussions focused on geopolitical developments and areas of potential defence cooperation. He also met South Korean National Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back and they exchanged views on security developments in the region.

Meanwhile, at a ministerial roundtable hosted by Chan and attended by 10 other ministers and their representatives, discussions spanned several areas, including the impact of misinformation, as well as the need to get good value from defence spending.

Separately, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said in a Facebook post early on May 31 that the discussions at the 2026 Shangri-La Dialogue underscore the importance of dialogue, trust and cooperation in a more uncertain and complex world.

The summit, which ended on May 31, provides a “valuable opportunity” to exchange views, build understanding and strengthen partnerships, he added.

“Singapore remains committed to being a trusted and neutral platform for open, constructive engagement – helping to bridge differences and foster cooperation in our region and beyond,” wrote PM Wong.