Singapore Forces conduct Exercise APEX 2012

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has begun Exercise APEX 2012 at the Changi Command and Control (C2) Centre, aimed to enhance inter-agency collaboration.

Led by the SAF’s Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF), the exercise involves 1033 personnel from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), the Army, the National Maritime Security Systems (NMSS), the Police Coast Guard (PCG) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

The drill also involves six patrol vessels, two mine countermeasure vessels, a frigate, a missile corvette, a landing ship tank, two Super Puma helicopters, a maritime patrol aircraft, rigid hull inflatable boats from the SAF as well as crafts from PCG and MPA.

In addition to enhancing inter-operability to defend Singapore’s territorial waters, the exercise enables protection of ports, key maritime infrastructure and vital offshore installations while safeguarding Singapore’s maritime security and national interests.

During the Exercise APEX 2012, eighth in the series, personnel will conduct operational planning, table-top discussions, and naval tactical trainer simulation and mission scenarios at sea.

The scenarios include disposal of a sea mine detected in the Singapore Straits by the RSN’s mine-hunting assets, operations to counter small boat infiltration, escort of merchant vessels and provide shipping protection by the Accompanying Sea Security Team (ASSeT).

The exercise is scheduled to conclude on 27 November 2012.