Exercise Bersama Padu 2010

No 3 Squadron F/A-18 Hornets form up on their way to Malaysia for Exercise Bersama Padu 2010.

13 October 2010 -- Eight F/A-18 Hornets and 125 personnel from Number 3 Squadron have arrived in Malaysia as part of an Australian Defence Force joint contingent, to join air, ground and naval forces from Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom for Exercise Bersama Padu 2010.

The three-week exercise officially started today and will see assets from the participating nations battling it out in various locations on the Malaysian Peninsula and in the South China Sea.

Led by Commanding Officer 3 Squadron, Wing Commander Terry van Haren, the Hornet Pilots from RAAF Williamtown near Newcastle, NSW will practice air combat tactics under the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) with participating nations.

“The Five Power Defence Arrangements represent almost 40 years of co-operation and continues to show its relevance for the regional strategic environment,” Wing Commander van Haren said.

“Australia maintains a close defence relationship with Singapore and Malaysia, both bilaterally and through participation in the Five Power Defence Arrangements.

“Exercise Bersama Padu also promotes a shared understanding of procedures for air and maritime operations, the protection of the marine environment and disaster relief management,” he said.

Training in exercises such as Bersama Padu 2010 is important for Air Force personnel to hone key skills, work as a combined force and build regional relationships with participating nations.

Exercise Bersama Padu, which means ‘together united’ in Bahasa Malaysia, is the second in the series of Bersama multi-lateral activities involving the forces of the Five Power Defence Arrangements this year.

The exercise will finish on 29 October.

Australia DoD