Royal New Zealand Navy strengthens bonds with Singaporean counterparts

The strong partnership between New Zealand and Singapore’s maritime forces has been reinforced, through a week-long visit by 21 Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) personnel.

02 March, 2026

Exercise Lion Zeal saw the Singaporean sailors hosted at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland, where they were traditionally welcomed, undertook leadership training on the Royal New Zealand Navy’s (RNZN) fleet of sailing vessels, conducted familiarisation training with Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats and were briefed on the RNZN’s autonomous systems integration.

The programme was designed to enhance interoperability, deepen professional relationships, and foster personal connections between sailors from both navies.

The engagement also provided an opportunity for the RNZN to formally thank the RSN for its support to HMNZS Aotearoa during the ship’s maintenance period at Sembawang Naval Base last year. While Aotearoa underwent a significant maintenance package in Singapore, RSN training facilities were made available to the ship’s company.

RNZN Captain Fleet Operational Readiness, Captain Mike Peebles, acknowledged the generosity shown by Singapore.

“This was the first time the RSN had offered their training facilities to a ship from a partner navy and we were extremely grateful for that offer,” said Captain Peebles.

“Access to their Damage Control School and bridge simulator was very helpful and paid dividends when Aotearoa subsequently went on to exercise with Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and United Kingdom fleet units during Exercise Bersama Lima.”

A group photo of personnel sitting positioned in front of a marae.

The strong partnership between New Zealand and Singapore’s maritime forces has been reinforced, through a week-long visit by 21 Republic of Singapore Navy personnel.

Navy trainees greet the Singaporeans during a welcome ceremony at Te Taua Moana Marae.

A man wearing forest camouflage uniform points to a wall of screens as three other personnel wearing grey and white camouflage uniform look on.

Lieutenant Commander Jordan Markham, HMNZS Matataua, showcases the movement of the Navy’s Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USV) in the USV control room on base.

For the RSN contingent, the experience at the Devonport Naval Base provided valuable insight into their New Zealand counterparts and strengthened professional bonds.

“Exercise Lion Zeal has been a cornerstone of the long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and New Zealand since 1999,” said Lieutenant Colonel Choy Seng Tuck, Commanding Officer RSS Stalwart.

“The exchanges with the Royal New Zealand Navy enhance our mutual understanding and build people-to-people relationships, and we look forward to more of these exchanges in future.”

The next engagement isn’t far away, as HMNZS Canterbury shortly sets sails for Singapore to undertake a maintenance programme and where the warm relationship between the two navies will be renewed.

“That is what it means to be a sailor,” Captain Peebles said.

“Keeping up the traditions of the sea, advancing interests and making friends.”