Image: from Ministry of Defence X@mindefsg
By Open Chronicle News Desk
NEW ZEALAND – Senior Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Zaqy Mohamad, visited Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) troops today at the Waiouru Military Training Area in New Zealand, marking a significant moment in the ongoing Exercise Thunder Warrior (XTW). The visit underscores the robust and long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and New Zealand.
Exercise Thunder Warrior, an annual artillery live-firing exercise established in 1997, is currently conducting its 2026 edition from January 14 to February 14. This year’s exercise involves over 420 personnel from the 24th and 244th Battalions of the Singapore Artillery.
Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad visited the SAF troops participating in Exercise Thunder Warrior in 🇳🇿, where he observed an integrated live firing. More: https://t.co/ZxJA2dHCWL pic.twitter.com/JrBHwpFcRd
— Ministry of Defence (@mindefsg) January 27, 2026
During his visit, Minister Zaqy observed an integrated battalion live-firing demonstration featuring the Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer (SSPH). The operations were supported by advanced technical units, including the Weapon Locating Radar and the Field Artillery Meteorological System (FAMS).
“I am heartened to see the commitment of our SAF service personnel, training and performing well in a challenging operational environment,” Mr. Zaqy stated. He emphasized that the successful execution of the live firing demonstrates the high level of operational readiness and competence within the SAF, particularly among National Service (NS) units.
In addition to visiting the troops, Mr. Zaqy held a high-level meeting with New Zealand’s Associate Minister for Defence, Mr. Chris Penk. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the bilateral defence relationship, which was recently elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Discussions focused on deepening cooperation in emerging fields such as unmanned systems and supply chain resilience.
Mr. Zaqy expressed Singapore’s gratitude for New Zealand’s consistent support in providing training grounds for the SAF. The interaction between the two nations continues to thrive through professional exchanges, joint courses, and cooperation under multilateral frameworks like the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA).