Australia, Singapore strengthen defence industrial ties

Singapore and Australia both operate F-35 fighters, a common platform for sustainment co-operation. (LAC Stewart Gould/ Commonwealth of Australia/ Department of Defence)

Australia and Singapore have signed a new industrial agreement to strengthen defence co-operation between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

During the 15th meeting of the Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Committee in Adelaide on 27 July, the Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) signed the Industrial Base Resiliency Arrangement (IBRA).

According to MINDEF, IBRA provides a “practical framework” to strengthen defence logistics and supply-chain co-operation.

The arrangement implements a key commitment under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) concerning Enhanced Defence Cooperation (eDC), which was signed in October 2025, MINDEF said.

The eDC MoU is intended to increase SAF access to expanded training areas and facilities in Australia and ADF access in Singapore; deepen defence science and technology co-operation; strengthen defence logistics and supply-chain co-operation; and expand professional defence exchanges and collaboration.

IBRA supports the cross-sustainment of both countries' common defence platforms, prioritised delivery of defence orders, streamlined equipment transfers, defence industry partnerships, and information exchanges to reduce supply-chain risk, MINDEF said.

“By establishing clear channels for co-operation before disruptions occur, IBRA enables both countries to respond more swiftly and effectively when supply chains come under stress,” the ministry added.

According to Singapore Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing, the new arrangement aims to strengthen the defence resilience of both countries.

Modern military and security operations are increasingly shaped not only by equipment, training, and operational planning, but also by the resilience of defence ecosystems and their ability to endure against adversaries, Sing told reporters at a joint press conference in Adelaide.