DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 482/10
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Exercise Bersama Padu 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.
Media Liaison: Media interviews can be facilitated by Flight Lieutenant Skye Smith
on +61 438 462 944 or skye.smith@defence.gov.au.
Imagery: Imagery from the exercise will be available online at
NEWS 
