In a significant step towards bolstering defense technology ties, the US Department of Defense’s chief digital and AI officer and Singapore’s deputy secretary for technology signed a new agreement to cooperate on data analytics and artificial intelligence. This was announced by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III today.
Secretary Austin welcomed Singapore’s Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen to the Pentagon with an enhanced honor cordon, marking the occasion with a formal meeting.
The new agreement aims to improve interoperability and promote the ethical use of AI between the two nations.
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Austin highlighted several areas of ongoing collaboration. He noted that Singapore is among the 29 nations participating in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise currently underway in Hawaii. This exercise, which runs from June 26 to August 2, involves around 25,000 personnel.
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Austin also thanked Minister Ng for his role in hosting leaders and senior military officials from the Indo-Pacific region during the Shangri-La Dialogue, held in late May and early June by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
In addition, Austin referenced a memorandum of understanding signed in May between the US and Singapore focused on defense innovation. This agreement is intended to help both countries quickly and effectively acquire advanced technology.
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Furthermore, Austin mentioned that a supply chain security arrangement was finalized in December, aiming to enhance the resilience of both nations’ defense supply chains. The two countries continue to engage in joint training across multiple domains, including land, sea, air, space, and cyber, all in support of a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
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“Singapore is one of our most valued defense partners, and I am proud of the growing strength of our defense relationship,” Austin stated. Minister Ng expressed his gratitude to Austin for his leadership and efforts in strengthening these partnerships.–News Desk