On July 13, the Singaporean and US navies began their 21st joint exercise, "Cooperation in Maritime Training and Readiness" (CARAT), at Singapore's Changi Naval Base.

The U.S. Navy participated in the exercise. (Source: U.S. Navy)

According to a press release from the Singaporean government, this year's exercise focuses on enhancing conventional maritime combat capabilities such as air defense, anti-ship, and anti-submarine warfare operations, as well as naval air operations and base defense.

This exercise involved five warships, one submarine, one naval helicopter, one naval patrol aircraft, and one fighter jet from the Singapore Navy (RSN) and Air Force.

The U.S. Marine Corps is participating in the exercise with 3 warships, 1 submarine, 3 naval helicopters, and 1 maritime reconnaissance and patrol aircraft. A total of 1,400 personnel from both countries will participate.

As part of this year's exercise, the navies of both countries will for the first time utilize unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems in routine maritime operations.

The CARAT exercise is scheduled to last until July 24th.

(According to VN+)