Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries are members of the FPDA?  

The five member-nations of the Five Power Defence Arrangements are Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom.   

When was the FPDA established?  

The Five Power Defence Arrangements were signed on 1 November 1971, whereby the five nations agreed to consult one another in the event of armed aggression against Malaysia and Singapore.     

How many exercises does the FPDA hold annually? 

Four exercises are held annually in most years, comprising of two Field Training Exercises (FTXs) and two Command Post Exercises (CPXs) held every year.  Exercise BERSAMA SHIELD is an FTX; Exercise BERSAMA LIMA is a combined FTX and CPX; Exercise SUMAN WARRIOR is solely a CPX.  

Every fifth year, Exercise SUMAN PROTECTOR, which is a large scale CPX, is held, replacing Exercises BERSAMA LIMA and SUMAN WARRIOR. 

Where are FPDA exercises held? 

Exercise BERSAMA SHIELD is run from RMAF Butterworth and uses the FPDA Exercise Area off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Exercise BERSAMA LIMA rotates between Malaysia and Singapore on an annual basis. Exercise SUMAN PROTECTOR is held in Malaysia and Singapore whereas Exercise SUMAN WARRIOR occurs outside of Malaysia and Singapore.

Who works in HQIADS? 

HQIADS is staffed by personnel from all five of the nations, including representation from each of their three services (Navy, Army and Air Force).