Top defence officials from the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) reaffirmed their nations’ commitment to the 55-year-old security framework at a meeting hosted by Singapore’s Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing on May 31, 2026. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the annual Shangri-La Dialogue defence summit in Singapore [1, 2, 3].
Formed in 1971, the FPDA includes Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, and Britain in a consultative security arrangement. The pact was established following the British military withdrawal from the region to ensure Singapore and Malaysia had access to allied military support in the event of an imminent armed attack [1, 2, 3].
Member states conduct two annual joint military exercises focused on the external defence of Singapore and Malaysia. Bersama Shield is conducted in the first half of the year and Bersama Lima in the second half [1, 2, 3]. These exercises have strengthened the nations’ coordination and increased their capabilities in areas such as humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and maritime security [1, 2, 3].
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said at the 2026 Shangri-La Dialogue that "the discussions at the 2026 Shangri-La Dialogue underscored the importance of dialogue, trust and cooperation in a more uncertain and complex world" [1]. Singapore reiterated its commitment to serving as a neutral platform for engagement and to strengthening regional partnerships [1, 2, 3].
The reaffirmation of the FPDA’s strategic relevance at the meeting marks the enduring nature of the pact 55 years after its formation. The FPDA continues to play a key role in regional stability and collaboration among its five member nations [1, 2, 3].
