Singapore and Germany have agreed to deepen defence cooperation in cybersecurity, countering hybrid threats, defence industry, supply chain resilience and the protection of international law.
Singapore Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing met German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius in Berlin on Oct. 1 during Chan’s four-day working visit to Germany. The two ministers reaffirmed their countries’ strong bilateral defence relationship and exchanged views on recent geopolitical developments.
Chan also welcomed Germany’s interest in joining the Guiding Principles for Underwater Infrastructure Defence Exchanges, or GUIDE. Launched at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore in May 2026, the initiative brings together countries with shared interests in protecting critical underwater infrastructure.
The latest discussions build on Singapore and Germany’s enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement, signed in 2018. Their cooperation includes military exchanges, professional training, defence technology, submarine training and cyber defence.
Chan’s visit also coincided with the launch of the Republic of Singapore Navy’s first Sentinel-class offshore patrol vessel in Berne, Germany, on Oct. 1. German Defence Minister Pistorius attended the ceremony alongside senior military officials from both countries.
The new Sentinel is the first of four offshore patrol vessels being built for Singapore. The ships are intended to carry out maritime security operations, protect Singapore’s territorial waters and work alongside agencies such as the Police Coast Guard and Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
The 94.85-metre vessel has a displacement of 2,700 tonnes and can travel at more than 23 knots. It has a baseline crew of about 40 and is equipped with advanced sensors and a range of lethal and less-lethal systems, including a 76mm guided gun, a remotely controlled 30mm weapon system, laser dazzler, acoustic hailing device and water cannon.
The vessels are also designed to accommodate future upgrades and respond to emerging maritime threats, including unmanned systems. Sentinel will undergo platform acceptance and sea trials before sailing to Singapore, while the remaining three vessels are still under construction.
Chan described the patrol vessel project as more than a buyer-seller relationship, highlighting the long-term cooperation between Singapore and Germany and their respective navies.
Singapore’s defence ties with Germany have expanded through regular high-level meetings, military-to-military exchanges, professional courses and technology collaboration. The latest agreement to broaden cooperation adds cybersecurity, hybrid threats, defence industry and supply-chain resilience to the areas being developed between the two countries.
