RSAF and RMAF personnel stand alongside H225M and EC725 helicopters during the 8th SAREX MALSING at Kuantan Air Base, Malaysia. (Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia)
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) concluded their Annual Bilateral Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) MALSING on July 23, emphasising continued defence and operational cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
Held from July 17 to 23 at Kuantan Air Base in Malaysia, the 8th edition of the exercise brought together the RSAF’s H225M and the RMAF’s EC725 helicopters, alongside aircrew, ground personnel and medical teams from both air forces.
The week-long exercise focused on a simulated aerial incident off Pulau Tioman, with military participants conducting joint planning, aerial search operations and casualty evacuation drills. Personnel from both countries also took part in professional exchanges aimed at improving coordination during search and rescue missions.
A new medical training component was introduced this year, with RSAF and RMAF search and rescue medical teams carrying out end-to-end casualty care drills covering in-flight treatment and the transfer of simulated casualties.
The closing ceremony was co-officiated by RSAF Head Air Operations Brigadier-General Phua Jia Kai and RMAF Air Operations Commander Lieutenant General Dato’ Masro bin Kaliwon.
Singaporean Brigadier-General Phua said SAREX MALSING demonstrates the “close and enduring relationship” between Singapore and Malaysia, citing the two countries’ longstanding defence cooperation and shared geographical interests.
Malaysian Lieutenant General Masro said the exercise had achieved its objectives of enhancing bilateral search and rescue cooperation, improving interoperability through the exchange of knowledge and experience, and strengthening ties between the two air forces.
Since its launch in 2018, SAREX MALSING has served as an annual platform for both air forces to strengthen operational interoperability and professional exchanges. Singapore and Malaysia also participate in activities under the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), a defence cooperation framework comprising Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom that facilitates regular joint exercises and military collaboration.
The exercise highlights the continued emphasis Singapore and Malaysia place on practical defence cooperation through humanitarian and search and rescue operations. The inclusion of integrated medical training also reflects the growing importance of casualty evacuation and emergency response in military preparedness. More broadly, SAREX MALSING contributes to regional defence cooperation by strengthening interoperability between the two air forces while complementing wider engagement under the FPDA.
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