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Exercise Suman Protector

Exercise Suman Protector, Malaysia, Sept 2007. (WN07-0048-31tn)

24 August 2007

Forty-nine New Zealand Defence Force personnel have arrived in Malaysia for EX SUMAN PROTECTOR 2007 (SP07). 

The exercise is one of a series of Joint level exercises involving armed forces from the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) and will run from 20 August to 9 September. 

This exercise reflects the level of collaborative efforts in training for the defence of Malaysia and Singapore by FPDA nations and aims to enhance interoperability and mutual co-operation while strengthening the relationship among the Armed Forces of FPDA nations.

Personnel from FPDA nations (Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and UK) will operate within a Combined Joint Task Force Headquarters along with Maritime, Air, Land and Logistic Component HQs against a conventional war scenario.

The exercise will be conducted at RMAF Butterworth Air Base. The exercise will also include, where applicable, the effects of military interplay between Non-Governmental Organisations and other government departments with a focus on political, legal, media and CIMIC issues. A multinational After Action Review team  will assess FPDA processes and procedures.

An opening ceremony was held on 23 August at the RMAF Butterworth Air Base and was officiated by the Chief of Defence Force Malaysia, General Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Hj Zainal.

The closing ceremony will be officiated by the Singapore Armed Forces, Chief of Defence Force, Major General Desmond Kuek at the RMAF Butterworth Air Base on 7 Sep 2007.

Media Release Source: The Malaysian Public Relations Branch of the Ministry of Defence

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