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Australia has joined Malaysia, Singapore, the UK and New Zealand to conduct Exercise Bersama Gold 21 as part of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA).
Australia joined regional neighbours Malaysia, Singapore and New Zealand as well as the United Kingdom to conduct Exercise Bersama Gold 21 as part of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), designed to enhance the ongoing interoperability of the five nations Defence confirmed.
The training coincided with the 50th anniversary of the FPDA. The FPDA was signed in 1971 to ensure dialogue between the nations in the event of hostilities.
The exercise, which runs for two weeks until 18 October, is expected to take place in Malaysia, Singapore and the South China Sea, and is set to challenge and improve interoperability and co-operation between the five nations.
As part of the training, HMA Ships Canberra and Anzac, F/A-18F Super Hornets and a P-8A Poseidon have been tasked to work alongside the four nations across a range of maritime and air exercises.
Lieutenant General Greg Bilton, Chief of Joint Operations, outlined how the training was vital in building regional resilience.
“The FPDA is a trusted mainstay of regional security architecture. When our five nations come together we strengthen cooperation, deepen our interoperability and sustain professional links,” LTGEN Bilton said.
“The 50th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on our achievements, reinforce the FPDA’s constructive role in regional security, and shape its future focus.
“Bersama Gold 2021 is a fitting tribute and its execution in a COVID-safe manner is a testament to our collective ability to work together.”
[Related: Australia and Indo-Pacific partners wrap-up Timor-Leste exercise]
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