New Delhi: Singapore defence forces will soon use the integrated test range at Chandipur in Odisha for the firing of missiles.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh and defence minister of Singapore Dr N.G. Eng Hen co-chaired the 4th Singapore-India Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in Singapore on Wednesday.
Both ministers commended the progress in defence technology collaboration. “They witnessed the exchange of a Letter of Intent to register both sides’ commitment to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate the use of Chandipur Integrated Test Range by the Singapore defence establishment,” said a defence ministry release.
Mr Singh also offered setting up of a Joint Test Facilities under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme of India. Dr N.G. agreed to explore opportunities for joint collaboration. The ministers also agreed to explore co-operation in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Geo-Spatial Data Sharing and Cyber Security. Sinagpore’s military has been using India’s facility for training of its defence forces including airbase for its F-16s.
Both ministers expressed satisfaction at the deepening defence ties between India and Singapore and reaffirmed their commitment to support further initiatives that would promote stability to the region. Singapore’s defence minister appreciated India’s continued support for the training of the Singapore Armed Forces in India. “Of note, in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Singapore Air Force-Indian Air Force Joint Military Training this year, the exercise was expanded to include an air-sea training component for the first time,” defence ministry said.
The increasing degree of complexity of the bilateral exercises reflects the growing confidence and mutual respect for each other’s professional capabilities,” said defence ministry.
