Leopard Tanks 1st Live @ Wallaby

wonderamazement

27 Oct 08, 01:25

Singapore, Australia Defence Ministers Visit SAF Exercise in Queensland, Australia

The defence ministers of Singapore and Australia, Mr Teo Chee Hean and Mr Joel Fitzgibbon, visited Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) troops participating in Exercise Wallaby today. At Ex Wallaby, the ministers witnessed the maiden participation of the SAF's Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs). The Leopard 2A4 MBTs provide the SAF with enhanced firepower, protection and mobility.

The ministers also observed an integrated systems live-firing exercise involving the participation of major air and land platforms such as the F-16 fighter aircraft, Apache attack helicopters, Pegasus lightweight howitzers and the Leopard 2A4 MBTs. The missions, orchestrated by the Land Headquarters and the Air-Land Tactical Control Centre (ALTaCC), validated the SAF's ability to employ a wide suite of sensors and shooters to conduct coordinated manoeuvres and engage targets with precision.

The SAF has been conducting Exercise Wallaby at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) in Queensland since 1990. About 3,600 SAF personnel are taking part in this year's exercise, which is being held from 3 Oct to 16 Nov.

Apart from the Wallaby series of exercises conducted annually at the SWBTA, the SAF and the Australian Defence Force interact extensively through bilateral and multilateral training exercises, visits, professional exchanges and military courses. Singapore appreciates the support given to the SAF's training in Australia by the Australian Government, the Australian Defence Force and the local communities in Australia.

Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean and his Australian counterpart Mr Joel Fitzgibbon being briefed on the Leopard 2A4's capabilities.

The Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tanks demonstrating its firepower in Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia.