Kamis, 23 November 2017

Combined Singapore-Indonesia troops and tanks capture urban area in flagship exercise

SAFKAR INDOPURA 2017Leopard 2SG Main Battle Tanks, jointly operated by soldiers from both the SAF and TNI-AD, entering the combat zone, during Exercise Safkar Indopura, on Nov 20, 2017. [ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI]

Under heavy enemy fire, more than 400 Singapore and Indonesian troops fought together, storming and capturing a series of buildings in quick succession, clearing the area for two Leopard tanks to roll in.

The combined field battalion exercise at Murai Urban Training Facility near Lim Chu Kang on Monday (Nov 20) was the culmination of the annual flagship exercise between the two infantries.

Four Leopard Main Battle Tanks took part for the first time in this year's Exercise Safkar Indopura, marking a deepening of defence cooperation between both sides. These tanks added to the complexity of the mission, and allowed the crew from different armies to exchange knowledge.

They included two that were operated by combined crews of four men each. Exercise Safkar Indopura, held annually since 1989, began on Nov 13 this year.

https://static.straitstimes.com.sg/sites/default/files/styles/article_pictrure_780x520_/public/articles/2017/11/20/dw-safkar-infantry-171120.jpg?itok=pONL5K03TNI-AD infantrymen charging through the smoke during an assault on urban objectives, as part of Exercise Safkar Indopura, on Nov 20, 2017. [ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI]

To mark 50 years of bilateral relations between the two countries this year, a combined jump from 3,000m, with two lead jumpers, each carrying his national flag, was planned for the exercise's closing ceremony, but was cancelled as dark clouds formed.

Despite the gloomy weather, the ceremony, officiated by Chief of Army Melvyn Ong and TNI-AD Chief of Staff Mulyono, carried on, with the troops forming the number "50" on parade.

https://static.straitstimes.com.sg/sites/default/files/styles/article_pictrure_780x520_/public/articles/2017/11/20/dw-safkar-storm-171120.jpg?itok=-eMhx_RBA mixed squad of Singapore Army (right) and TNI-AD soldiers storming a building during Exercise Safkar Indopura, on Nov 20, 2017. [ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI]

Calling the exercise the "cornerstone of the interactions between TNI-AD and the Singapore Army", Major-General Ong said the frequent bilateral interactions over the past 50 years have shown a high level of mutual trust between both countries.

He added: "This is not a relationship of chance. It's only through the willingness and initiative of both nations that we are able to take a long-term approach and work towards achieving our collective goals."

To demonstrate the close defence cooperation between the two armies, the troops fought alongside each other under a combined headquarters helmed by two exercise directors - one from each side.

A total of 474 infantry and armour soldiers were involved in Safkar Indopura this year - 300 personnel from the Singapore Army and 174 from the TNI-AD.

https://static.straitstimes.com.sg/sites/default/files/styles/article_pictrure_780x520_/public/articles/2017/11/20/exercise.jpg?itok=M81UK5gpThe Singapore Army and TNI-AD soldiers forming the number “50” during the closing ceremony of Exercise Safkar Indopura to commemorate 50 years of bilateral relations between Singapore and Indonesia at the Murai Urban Training Facility on Monday (Nov 20). [PHOTO: MINDEF]

Other than the field exercise, planning exercises, urban operations training and live-firing were also conducted.

Maj-Gen Ong noted that it was the first time Singapore had trained with soldiers from a foreign military in a leopard tank, adding that it was a clear indication of the mutual trust and understanding both sides have developed over the years.

Major Medi Haryo Wibowo, 38, commanding officer of TNI-AD's 312th Infantry Battalion, said: "The exercise was excellent because our troops from both armies can share knowledge, and have mutual respect and understanding."

On his experience training with the Indonesians, section commander 3SG Muhammad Abdul Rahman, 19, said: "I was very impressed by their aggressiveness in battle. Some of them really shouted and made sure that every one of their men knew what to do - I could hear the shouts from far away."

   Straitstimes  

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