Royal Navy Joins Commonwealth Allies in Major South China Sea Military Exercise Bersama Lima 2026

Britain's Royal Navy patrol vessels HMS Tamar and HMS Spey participated in the multinational Bersama Lima 2026 military exercise alongside Commonwealth allies, reinforcing defence cooperation and maritime security preparedness in the strategically important South China Sea region.

The exercise brought together military forces from five countries—Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore—under the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), a defence cooperation framework established in 1971.

Meaning "Together Five" in Malay, Bersama Lima focused on improving interoperability and strengthening the participating nations' ability to respond collectively to regional security challenges.

The extensive training involved warships, submarines, fighter aircraft and specialist military personnel operating across maritime, aerial and land environments. Activities culminated in a demanding two-day simulated conflict designed to test coordination and operational readiness.

Participating naval assets included frigates, corvettes, patrol vessels and submarines, supported by advanced aircraft such as Australia's F-35A Lightning II fighter jets. Singapore's newest submarine also participated, contributing to complex underwater warfare scenarios.

Military personnel conducted anti-submarine operations, simulated air-defence engagements, maritime surveillance and coordinated naval responses to potential threats.

Land-based troops practised directing naval gunfire towards designated targets, demonstrating the importance of communication between ground forces and warships.

A major component involved maritime interdiction operations, including boarding and inspecting suspicious vessels to counter illegal fishing, drug trafficking and other maritime crimes.

During the exercise, HMS Tamar hosted a specialist Royal New Zealand Navy Deployable Boarding Team, allowing personnel to practise vessel interception, inspection procedures and coordinated security operations.

The training provided valuable experience for future maritime patrols and multinational deployments.

Bersama Lima 2026 highlighted the continuing relevance of the FPDA partnership, demonstrating how longstanding defence relationships can strengthen military readiness, enhance regional cooperation and contribute to maintaining security and stability across Southeast Asia's strategically vital waters.