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SINGAPORE: The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will suspend all large-scale exercises abroad, including the Wallaby Exercise in Australia, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Defense Ministry (MINDEF) said in a press release Tuesday (May 12).
“Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, the SAF has suspended all large-scale exercises abroad, including the Wallaby Exercise this year,” said MINDEF.
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“When conditions improve, Singapore can continue smaller-scale training activities in Australia, in full compliance with its safety requirements to prevent the spread of the disease.”
Launched in 1990, the Wallaby Exercise is the largest SAF exercise abroad and takes place in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, Australia.
READ: COVID-19: No Exercise Abroad and Commissioning Parade, but SAF Officer Cadet School Training Must Continue
MINDEF said bilateral ties with Australia remain strong and it is looking forward to future editions of the exercise abroad.
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“The joint development of training areas and advanced training facilities in central and northern Queensland will deepen defense cooperation and benefit both the military and defense establishments for many years to come,” said MINDEF.
He added that he appreciates the “strong support” from the Australian government, the Australian Defense Department, the Australian Defense Force and the local communities of Rockhampton and Livingstone Shire for SAF training there over the years.
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, Singapore had already It suspended Basic Military Training from April 7 and postponed activities for its operationally prepared national military, in line with safe distancing measures at the national level.
Training at the Official Cadet School continues with improved security measures, but exercises abroad have been canceled. The start-up parade will also be replaced by a smaller, modified ceremony with no visitors.
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