17 January 2001 Media Statement

Singapore Army exercises at Waiouru

The Minister of Defence Mark Burton will officially welcome a delegation led by the Singapore Minister of State for Defence David Lim, upon arrival at Auckland Airport tomorrow morning. (Thurs)

"I am delighted to host this Singaporean delegation," Mark Burton said. "The main purpose of their visit is to observe Singapore troops exercising at Waiouru.

"However, we will also be showing these important opinion leaders from one of our growing tourism markets some of our finest tourist attractions in Wellington, Taupo and Rotorua."

Tomorrow night, (Fri) David Lim will be guest of honour at a reception in Auckland for the local Singaporean community.

On Saturday, the delegation will travel to Waiouru to observe Operation Thunder Warrior 2001.

Operation Thunder Warrior is an artillery live firing exercise that has been conducted by the Singapore Armed Forces at the Waiouru Army Training Group training area annually since 1997.

This year, around 500 Singapore personnel are involved in a two-week long exercise. They are using eighteen 155mm Howitzers. These guns, manufactured in Singapore, are capable of firing a 45 kg projectile up to 40 kms.

"This annual exercise demonstrates the strong defence ties between our two countries," Mark Burton said.

ENDS

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