Singapore and New Zealand have reaffirmed their deep-rooted defence partnership during a significant meeting in Auckland, highlighting the importance of collaboration amid growing regional and global security challenges. On 9 March, Singapore’s Defence Minister, Dr Ng Eng Hen, met with his New Zealand counterpart, Judith Collins, to co-chair the fourth Singapore-New Zealand Defence Ministers’ Meeting, a platform that underscores six decades of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The meeting, hosted in Auckland, focused on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation and exploring opportunities for collaboration on multilateral platforms such as the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus). These discussions come at a time when small states like Singapore and New Zealand face complex geopolitical dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region, necessitating stronger alliances and trust-based partnerships.
A Legacy of Defence Cooperation
The defence relationship between Singapore and New Zealand is built on a foundation of mutual benefit and shared values, as both nations prioritise stability and security in their respective regions. During the meeting, Dr Ng expressed gratitude for New Zealand’s longstanding support of the Singapore Armed Forces’ training initiatives, notably Exercise Thunder Warrior, conducted at the Waiouru Military Training Area. This annual exercise is a cornerstone of military-to-military engagement, fostering interoperability and strengthening operational readiness. 
“Dr Ng’s visit underscores the close and longstanding defence relations between Singapore and New Zealand,” the Singapore Ministry of Defence (Mindef) stated. The ministry further highlighted the extensive interactions between the two defence establishments, including high-level visits, professional exchanges, and cross-attendance of military courses. These engagements have not only enhanced technical cooperation but also deepened people-to-people ties, creating a “reservoir of trust and respect,” as Dr Ng noted in a Facebook post on 9 March.
The ministers also exchanged views on a range of international and regional security issues, though specific details of these discussions were not disclosed. Analysts suggest that topics likely included maritime security in the South China Sea, counter-terrorism efforts, and the broader implications of great power competition in the Indo-Pacific. For small states, maintaining a rules-based international order is paramount, and both Singapore and New Zealand have consistently advocated for dialogue and cooperation over confrontation.
Elevating the Enhanced Partnership
Beyond defence matters, Dr Ng’s visit to Auckland included a meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on the sidelines of the Asia-New Zealand Foundation (ANZF) Meeting. The two leaders discussed plans to elevate the Singapore-New Zealand Enhanced Partnership in 2025, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This milestone offers an opportunity to expand cooperation in areas such as trade, education, and cultural exchange, alongside defence.
At a welcome dinner hosted by Mr Luxon, Dr Ng emphasised the role of the ANZF in fostering diverse perspectives and strengthening ties between like-minded partners. “Particularly as small states, we appreciate the value of strong ties and long-term relationships,” he wrote on social media, reflecting a sentiment that resonates with both nations’ foreign policy outlooks. Singapore, a hub for regional diplomacy, and New Zealand, a key player in the Pacific, share a commitment to multilateralism and inclusive dialogue.
Dr Ng is also scheduled to deliver an address at the ANZF Honorary Advisers’ Meeting on 10 March, further amplifying Singapore’s voice in regional forums. Additionally, he will meet with New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, to discuss broader bilateral and regional issues. These engagements signal a holistic approach to deepening ties, extending beyond military cooperation to encompass diplomatic and strategic alignment.
Regional Context and Strategic Implications
The timing of this meeting is noteworthy, given the evolving security landscape in the Asia-Pacific. Singapore, as a key member of ASEAN, plays a pivotal role in promoting regional stability, often acting as a mediator in disputes and a proponent of economic integration. Its defence partnerships, including with non-ASEAN countries like New Zealand, are critical to balancing regional power dynamics and ensuring that smaller states are not sidelined in geopolitical rivalries.
New Zealand, while geographically distant from South East Asia, has increasingly turned its attention to the region through frameworks like the FPDA—a defence pact involving the United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and New Zealand. Established in 1971, the FPDA remains a vital mechanism for collective security, particularly in addressing non-traditional threats such as cyber warfare and climate-induced crises. The discussions between Dr Ng and Ms Collins likely touched on modernising the FPDA to address 21st-century challenges, though no specific outcomes were announced.
Moreover, both nations participate in the ADMM-Plus, which brings together ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners, including the United States, China, and Japan. This platform facilitates practical cooperation on issues like humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, areas where Singapore and New Zealand have demonstrated expertise. Their collaboration in such forums could set a precedent for other small states seeking to amplify their influence on the global stage.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While the Singapore-New Zealand defence relationship is robust, it is not without challenges. Budgetary constraints, differing strategic priorities, and domestic political considerations can complicate long-term commitments. For instance, New Zealand’s defence policy often balances regional engagement with domestic demands for social spending, while Singapore must navigate its role as a neutral actor in a region fraught with competing interests.
If both nations can align their strategic objectives—perhaps through joint initiatives in cybersecurity or climate resilience—their partnership could serve as a model for other small states. However, such outcomes remain speculative at this stage, with no concrete agreements announced during the Auckland meeting. Analysts caution that while high-level dialogues are essential, tangible results will depend on sustained political will and resource allocation.
Another area of potential cooperation lies in military training and innovation. Singapore’s advanced defence technology sector could complement New Zealand’s expertise in rugged terrain exercises, creating opportunities for joint research and development. Exercises like Thunder Warrior could be expanded to include emerging domains such as drone warfare or artificial intelligence, though this would require careful coordination to avoid overextending either side’s capabilities.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The reaffirmation of defence ties between Singapore and New Zealand is more than a bilateral achievement; it reflects a broader commitment to a stable and secure Asia-Pacific region. As Dr Ng noted, small states thrive on “strong ties and long-term relationships,” a principle that guides both nations’ foreign and defence policies. By leveraging platforms like the FPDA and ADMM-Plus, they can punch above their weight, contributing to regional security architectures that benefit all stakeholders.
The upcoming 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025 offers a symbolic and practical opportunity to elevate this partnership. Whether through enhanced defence exercises, deeper economic integration, or cultural exchanges via the ANZF, Singapore and New Zealand are well-positioned to build on their shared history. For now, the Auckland meeting serves as a reminder of the enduring value of trust and cooperation in an increasingly uncertain world.
As regional challenges mount—from maritime disputes to cyber threats—partnerships like this one will be tested. Yet, if the past six decades are any indication, Singapore and New Zealand have the resilience and foresight to navigate these complexities together. Their defence relationship, grounded in mutual respect and strategic alignment, remains a quiet but powerful force for stability in the Asia-Pacific.
