The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) sent its first Independence-class littoral mission vessel (LMV) RSS Independence (15) to participate in the inaugural ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercises (AMNEX) in Thailand.
RSS Independence was commissioned to RSN service in May 2017. RSS Independence is the first of eight planned warships in class. RSS Sovereignty (16) and RSS Unity (17), the second and third Singaporean LMVs where both commissioned on November 14, 2017.
“Designed and built locally, the littoral mission vessel is a thoroughly modern ship, able to leap into action, whatever the mission. Highly configurable, their advanced combat capabilities make them the perfect tool to protect our sea lines of communication,” RSN said.
AMNEX is the maritime security collaboration of navies in Southeast Asia Region. Australia, Bangladesh, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Sri Lanka, and the United States of America are also participating.
The Philippine Navy sent its Tarlac-class landing platform dock BRP Tarlac (LD601) and Del Pilar-class frigate BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF15).
Aside from the officers and enlisted personnel of the two naval ships, the PN contingent consist of the Naval Task Group 80.5, Naval Special Operation Group, Civil-Military Operation, Medical, Dental, Naval Chaplain, Naval Education and Training Command students, Fleet Training and Doctrine Center and Marine Corps Development Center, reservist civilian observers and other support components.