NZDF contributes to Five Power Defence Arrangements’ Exercise Bersama Lima 26
Professionalism, adaptability and commitment were on display as New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel joined Five Power Defence Arrangements’ (FPDA) partners on Exercise Bersama Lima 26 in Singapore.
05 November, 2026
Held from 5-23 October, this year’s Exercise Bersama Lima brought together more than 19,000 personnel, 42 aircraft, seven ships, a submarine, four platoons and staff in the combined headquarters, from the FPDA nations of Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom.
The NZDF’s contribution included a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon, New Zealand Army infantry platoon and Royal New Zealand Navy deployable boarding team as well as support staff and augmentees in the multinational headquarters.
Bersama Lima enables sailors, soldiers and aviators from the five partner nations to conduct combined and joint operations across complex scenarios, strengthening interoperability, regional partnerships and joint readiness.
NZDF Senior National Officer Major Laura North said the high standards expected by the NZDF of its personnel were on display during the Exercise.
The professionalism, discipline and tactical competence shown by NZ Army soldiers including during urban operations training was apparent and recognised by partner nations, she said.
NZDF personnel from the Royal New Zealand Navy, New Zealand Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force participate in Exercise Bersama Lima.
Across planning, exercise control, safety and specialist staff functions, NZDF personnel performed as effective members of the multinational headquarters.
The P8-A Poseidon crew’s contribution to regional maritime activities was rewarding to see while the deployable boarding team’s ability to seamlessly integrate with partner nations demonstrated their technical proficiency and ability to operate independently in a demanding operational environment.
“Overall, Bersama Lima 2026 was professionally rewarding for all involved and highlighted not only the high standard of training and expertise within the NZDF, but also our ability to act as a force multiplier across all domains,” Major North said.
“Whether operating in the field, at sea, in the air, or within a multinational headquarters, New Zealand personnel consistently delivered outcomes that exceeded expectations and reinforced our reputation as a trusted and credible partner.”