The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) successfully conducted the fifth edition of the bilateral Search-And-Rescue Exercise (SAREX) MALSING from 6 to 10 November 2023 at Sembawang Air Base, Singapore.

This year’s edition saw the participation of both the RSAF’s H225M and RMAF’s EC725 helicopters, together with their Search-And-Rescue (SAR) aircrew and groundcrew. During the five-day exercise, exercise participants planned and executed a joint aerial SAR operation in response to a simulated aerial mishap off the southern coast of Singapore. During the exercise, the SAR teams conducted aerial searches for survivors, and expeditiously evacuated simulated casualties for immediate medical attention.

General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Mohd Asghar Khan bin Goriman Khan said, “Our nations, as neighbours, share the same skies, the same waters, and the same responsibilities to protect and serve those living in this region. SAREX MALSING is a testament to our unwavering commitment to this shared responsibility.”

Chief of Air Force of the RSAF, Major-General (MG) Kelvin Khong and the Chief of the RMAF, General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Mohd Asghar Khan bin Goriman Khan co-officiated the closing ceremony of SAREX MALSING. Speaking at the ceremony, MG Khong said, “The relationship between the RSAF and the RMAF will continue beyond the exercise. All interactions, exercises and professional exchanges such as Five Power Defence Arrangements exercises and Senior and Junior Officer’s Exchange Programmes will contribute towards strengthening our defence relationship and deepening the mutual trust between us.”

The exercise reinforced the RSAF and RMAF’s procedures for joint SAR operations. It enhanced cooperation, and provided opportunities to foster professional interaction and mutual trust between the participants of both Air Forces. Since its inception in 2018, SAREX MALSING seeks to enhance the professionalism and defence relations between both Air Forces, and foster closer rapport and cooperation amongst the personnel. The RSAF and RMAF also interact regularly across a wide range of activities, including bilateral visits and professional exchanges, as well as multilateral activities under the ambit of the Five Power Defence Arrangements.