In 2025, New Zealand and Singapore are celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations. For the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), this also signifies 60 years of bilateral defence cooperation with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).
The first significant presence of New Zealand units in Singapore came during WWII with No. 488 (NZ) Squadron, approximately 600 Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel taking part in the Battle of Singapore in 1942. Ultimately this campaign cost the NZDF 34 fatalities with many more personnel subsequently captured.
After WWII, New Zealand deployed ships, aircraft and infantry to support security in South East Asia, including in Singapore. NZDF forces were active in both the Malayan Emergency and the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation. In 1961 the New Zealand infantry (1RNZIR) relocated from Malaysia to Nee Soon Barrack. In 1974, New Zealand formed the New Zealand Force South East Asia (NZFORSEA). It is estimated that up to 850 service members, and 700 dependents lived in Singapore at any one time.
Today the NZDF presence in Singapore is modest, but the Defence Support Unit supports ships, aircraft and training not just in Singapore, but the broader region. New Zealand also contributes to the Counter Terrorism Information Facility and the Information Fusion Centre, Singapore-based centres which support multilateral security efforts for the
“Ki te Kāpuia e kore e whati
We succeed by
working together region.”
Singapore conducts regular training in New Zealand, enjoying different weather conditions and wide-open spaces that enable live-firing activities such as Exercise Thunder Warrior.
Since 1989, the Singapore Armed Forces and New Zealand Defence Force have operated together in Timor-Leste and assisted with reconstruction in Iraq and Afghanistan. Most recently they deployed together in Combined Maritime Task Force 150, securing freedom of movement in the maritime domain.
In uncertain times, Singapore and New Zealand are trusted and reliable defence partners in South East Asia. The New Zealand Defence Force in Singapore looks forward to celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic and bilateral defence cooperation.
By New Zealand Defence Advisor To Singapore
Images supplied by the New Zealand High Commission
