Australia has joined partners from the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FDPA) in support of the only multilateral security arrangement of its kind in Southeast Asia with the launch of Exercise Bersama Lima 2025. 

Over the next fortnight, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom, will exercise sea, air and ground forces in high-end warfighting serials focused on the defence of Malaysia and Singapore. 

Around 400 ADF personnel, F-35A Lightning II aircraft and Anzac Class frigate HMAS Ballarat will train alongside FDPA partners, including a Carrier Strike Group from the United Kingdom 

Bersama Lima 2025 will also feature humanitarian and disaster relief scenarios as well as sport and engagement activities designed to strengthen people-to-people links and enhance interoperability.

ADF Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, AO, CSC, RAN said Australia remained committed to the FPDA and regional security. 

“The FPDA remains an indispensable anchor for regional security.

“For over 50 years, Australia has conducted warfighting exercises with our partners from the FDPA. 

“Exercise Bersama Lima is an example of the FPDA working together to achieve a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

“The 2024 National Defence Strategy reaffirms our ongoing investment in the FPDA and its importance for regional security.”

The FDPA were signed by Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom in 1971 and is Australia’s longest-standing regional security mechanism. 

Media note:

Interview opportunities are available with ADF personnel deployed on Exercise Bersama Lima.  

Imagery from Exercise Bersama Lima 2025 will be available at:  http://images.defence.gov.au/S20252272