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## Strengthening Military Cooperation with Other Countries To further strengthen its defense, Singapore built on its existing relations with Commonwealth countries such as Britain, Australia, and Malaysia, and established new ties with countries such as the United States. This was essential as frie...

## Strengthening Military Cooperation with Other Countries To further strengthen its defense, Singapore built on its existing relations with Commonwealth countries such as Britain, Australia, and Malaysia, and established new ties with countries such as the United States. This was essential as friendly relations with other countries would allow the SAF to buy equipment from them, and train with and learn from other more experienced armed forces. In 1971, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Britain established the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) which committed the five members to consult one another in the event of an armed attack on Singapore or Malaysia. These five countries shared a close history as parts of the former British Empire and members of the Commonwealth, and had common interests in the region. The FPDA has facilitated regular combined military exercises among the five countries and has provided a platform for them to enhance defense cooperation. The latter was particularly critical in the 1970s and 1980s, when various armed conflicts were raging across parts of Southeast Asia. Today, the FPDA remains a relevant and defensive arrangement that contributes to regional peace and stability. A picture shows a South Asian man in military uniform holding a rifle. He is wearing a dark green uniform and a red-orange band around his head. He has short black hair and a mustache. He is standing in front of a pile of dirt. He is looking to the right.