Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Spey has participated in Exercise Bersama Lima 24, joining Commonwealth allies in Southeast Asia for a demonstration of unity and military cooperation, according to a Royal Navy news release.

The exercise, which involved the forces of Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the UK under the Five-Power Defence Arrangement, highlighted the longstanding partnership aimed at ensuring regional security in the Indo-Pacific.

HMS Spey, known for its distinctive dazzle paintwork, was one of five ships to take part in the exercise, alongside 38 aircraft and over 2,000 military personnel.

The naval element featured complex warfare scenarios such as air defence, escort missions, and naval gun firing. HMS Spey worked alongside warships from the Royal Malaysian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy.

Lieutenant Commander Kris White, Spey’s Executive Officer, highlighted the benefits of the exercise for his relatively young crew, saying it provided invaluable opportunities to form and strengthen professional relationships with counterparts from other nations. “Exercises like Bersama Lima provide invaluable opportunities to enhance our cooperation, interoperability, and trust with our regional partners,” he noted. He further emphasized the importance of these exercises in addressing shared security challenges in an evolving global landscape.

General Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohammad bin Ab Rahman, Malaysia’s Chief of Defence Forces, praised the exercise for demonstrating the “shared purpose” of the five nations, stressing the importance of remaining vigilant, agile, and united in the face of shifting security challenges. “The friendships and professional ties we have forged here will continue to grow and evolve as we embark on future exercises,” he added.

Exercise Bersama Lima 24 spanned 18 days and included both land-based planning and active naval, air, and ground operations, reinforcing the collective readiness of the participating nations to respond to any threats in the region.

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George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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SailorBoy
SailorBoy (@guest_866830)
4 days ago

Is that a Bofors 57mm on the 3rd ship back, Malaysian frigate?
Do we know how well the gun is doing in service with other navies?

Paul
Paul (@guest_866954)
3 days ago
Reply to  SailorBoy

Do we know how well the gun is doing in service with other navies?

The Bofors 57mm is widely used and seems to be very well regarded. The Canadians have used it for many years on their Halifax class frigates, and I’ve chatted with USN personnel who love it.

AlexS
AlexS (@guest_867020)
3 days ago
Reply to  Paul

Canadians now prefer the 127mm

SailorBoy
SailorBoy (@guest_867022)
3 days ago
Reply to  AlexS

Why put a 57mm on a T26 derivative when you have room for a bigger, more capable gun?
Especially when they chose the Italian version that has all sorts of fancy guided ammo available

Meirion X
Meirion X (@guest_866852)
4 days ago

If Starmer said the other day, that the UK needs more presence in the Pacific, so we do need a uplift of a sort, of the RN presence there, and how urgent, is that need?
If quite urgent, could that mean a interim purchase of existing stock vessels from the U.S? What would we buy from them, LCS?

Last edited 4 days ago by Meirion X
Mark
Mark (@guest_866863)
4 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

Why in all that’s holy would the RN want to buy LCS hulls?

Meirion X
Meirion X (@guest_866881)
4 days ago
Reply to  Mark

The LCS hulls are not ancient, unlike a lot of other US warships and of other countries, including our own T23’s! Yes the USN needs to fix the flaws in them, and guarantee them.

Sjb1968
Sjb1968 (@guest_866890)
3 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

They are not the answer and the uplift will need to be a medium term ambition for the surface fleet until escort numbers start to recover. A further batch of Type 31s and perhaps additional Rivers to replace the Batch 1s would help. This could allow towards the end of the decade two Type 31s to be based East of Suez with the two OPVs. A more near term possibility would be to use a modified Bay class but this would require it being freed up from MCM duties permanently in the Gulf. Given the current lack of escorts it… Read more »

Meirion X
Meirion X (@guest_866893)
3 days ago
Reply to  Sjb1968

So do you think that Xi is going wait for us to build our T31s before he starts a war?
Also did Hitler waited until we completed all our new arms purchases before starting WW2?

Has any enemy waited for us to completely rearm?

Last edited 3 days ago by Meirion X
Levi Goldsteinberg
Levi Goldsteinberg (@guest_866902)
3 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

Buying clapped out badly built American LCSs is not a workable solution in spite of the time pressures I don’t think

Meirion X
Meirion X (@guest_867044)
3 days ago

The Freedom class, has got RR propulsion like T26. So RN crew will become familiar with this setup.

Paul.P
Paul.P (@guest_866930)
3 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

News that China is building a deep water port in Peru.

Spyinthesky
Spyinthesky (@guest_867033)
3 days ago
Reply to  Paul.P

Yes but don’t worry the US looking inwards doesn’t have to worry about Chinese forces with their evil Russian mates creeping up the South American coast until they reach the southern border, where the wall will magically stop them apparently. Bet Canada’s glad it has Alaska between it and Russia rather than taking it for itself as was envisaged back in Victorian times.

Paul.P
Paul.P (@guest_867045)
3 days ago
Reply to  Spyinthesky

The worlds 2nd largest producer of copper for your next EV and a base for Chinese trawlers…and their 10,000 ton OPV minders.

Sjb1968
Sjb1968 (@guest_867001)
3 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

Unfortunately, I have not be in charge of the UK’s defence budget and procurement for the last 20 years so I don’t need a history lesson.
To be less flippant I would suggest you read a book called Task Force 57 and then give me your view on whether you think the UK could support any sustained deployment to the Far East.

Spyinthesky
Spyinthesky (@guest_867030)
3 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

Hitler was forced into a war 3 years earlier than planned true though because we declared war on Germany, which ironically just possibly cost him the war, if technology developed to influence matters the way it might have done given a few more years, so swings and roundabouts I guess. China would probably be better off waiting, I don’t see the disadvantages for them on present trends certainly not a few uk frigates or even the SSN.

Paul.P
Paul.P (@guest_866937)
3 days ago
Reply to  Sjb1968

Could a buy of SSKs facilitate permanent Pacific deployment of a SSN?

Meirion X
Meirion X (@guest_866961)
3 days ago
Reply to  Paul.P

UUV’s operating in North Atlantic, could release SSN for Indo-Pacific duties? Plus the extra P8’s from Germany. Could the last of the T Class be extended beyond 2026 for N.A. duties? Ideally, we really need to get more of the SSN’s we have, out to sea.

Last edited 3 days ago by Meirion X
Paul.P
Paul.P (@guest_866967)
3 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

Norway has also bought the P8, and is considering T26. Sharing the N. Atlantic responsibility with allies is the way to free up RN assets for the Pacific.

Meirion X
Meirion X (@guest_866966)
3 days ago
Reply to  Paul.P

A purchase aboard for SSK’s will be bad optics for the RN.
There is a article on N.L. on this issue. SSN’s are the gold standard of being submerged for long periods. See N.L.

Last edited 3 days ago by Meirion X
Paul.P
Paul.P (@guest_866970)
3 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

Saw that. Understand the optics. That said, I wonder if the defence review is debating German SSKs versus US LCS – assuming they are considering ways to increase the size of the RN of course. I see Norway has ordered some 212 class subs.

SailorBoy
SailorBoy (@guest_866899)
3 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

They also have next to no base capability and need upgrades to become useful.
SeaRAM and the mk110 are perfectly reasonable for missile defence but not a patch on a T31 for anything else.

Meirion X
Meirion X (@guest_866956)
3 days ago
Reply to  SailorBoy

They could potentially be put to service long before we get T31! See also my reply to Andy.

Spyinthesky
Spyinthesky (@guest_867034)
3 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

Well with the acquisition process, training in unfamiliar systems and weaponry and organising support for their ongoing maintenance and logistics I wonder how ‘long’ that would be in practice. The Americans widely believe now the whole foundation for these ships survivability in their designed capacity is fundamentally flawed so I’m not convinced they would be an attractive option even short term.

Meirion X
Meirion X (@guest_867048)
3 days ago
Reply to  SailorBoy

I would be tempted to remove the mk110, from that position and put in CAMM silo instead there. And install a 40mm gun further forward.

SailorBoy
SailorBoy (@guest_867083)
2 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

Are we talking about the Independence or Freedom class here?
Freedoms have space for VLS in the superstructure but Independences have them in front of the bridge.

Andy reeves
Andy reeves (@guest_866931)
3 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

all they need is a proper navy to operate them.

Spyinthesky
Spyinthesky (@guest_867027)
3 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

Ah yes needs to fix the flaws in them, might have some relevance, I don’t think they would make the same choices again judging by present low regard, but yep likely more than happy to flog a few to a ‘friend’ at mates rates with a three month guarantee.

Johnlee
Johnlee (@guest_867089)
2 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

Mate the LCS are a complete disaster they are rusting piles of junk that cant go anywhere near the speed they were designed for incase they phyically snap.The designs are fundamentaly flawed and if it wasn’t for politics (jobs) the yanks would very much like to scrap them.

Go to youtube and look at Sub Brief channel he has loads of videos on the LCS.

Meirion X
Meirion X (@guest_867944)
13 minutes ago
Reply to  Johnlee

Thanks for the link, cheers!

PeterS
PeterS (@guest_866910)
3 days ago
Reply to  Mark

Short ranged – the clue is in the name- with unreliable power plant. Just what no navy needs for Pacific operations.

Andy reeves
Andy reeves (@guest_866934)
3 days ago
Reply to  PeterS

escort numbers are NOT GOING TO RECOVER. as fast as a type 31 or 26 comes into service a type 23, will go.

Andy reeves
Andy reeves (@guest_866929)
3 days ago
Reply to  Mark

because it makes sense. even having just one of them With the option of acquiring more as they become available yes, they’ve had a difficult career but, the furore around the T45 was just as bad. cross deck the gun, 30mm’s, add a towed array and a torpedo launcher from Monmouth and Montrose, and you’ll have a type 32… a new class of ship ordered in the usual batch of five, won’t cost less than 100 million each, so a 500 million pounds investment in a hitherto not yet designed, confirmed order would mean a type 32 costing at best… Read more »

Meirion X
Meirion X (@guest_866946)
3 days ago
Reply to  Andy reeves

RN could add extra CAMM/ER/MR from box launchers? I like LCS, just the flews need sorting like they are doing with T45. They are capable of operating at quite some distances, despite the name! Yes a T32 at a cheap price! And a helo, with ASM, and drones operating from that large flight deck?

Last edited 3 days ago by Meirion X
Mark
Mark (@guest_866949)
3 days ago
Reply to  Andy reeves

You want to fit the 4.5” onto them…how exactly do you imagine that it going to happen? How much refit would need to be done to the CMS to handle all these ex 23 hardware? How many extra crew would be needed on ships that have already needed to expand their crew numbers for their basic operations?

Thats not even fantasy fleets stuff, that’s just mad.

Spyinthesky
Spyinthesky (@guest_867035)
3 days ago
Reply to  Mark

Thank you for some sanity Mark it’s simply a disaster waiting to happen.

Robert Blay
Robert Blay (@guest_867079)
2 days ago
Reply to  Andy reeves

Won’t cost less than 100 million? You are kidding right?

Paul
Paul (@guest_866969)
3 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

What would we buy from them, LCS? I’m actually a very rare fan of the LCS and I’ve followed the ups and downs of the program in detail for a while now. I especially like the Freedom class, which has the worst reputation. I took pictures of the Nantucket as she made her way between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario recently. Congress basically forced the USN to keep 10 of the Freedom class, and USN is finally waking up to the realization that they have ships on hand, and plenty of work for them, and is spending the money to fix… Read more »

Meirion X
Meirion X (@guest_866985)
3 days ago
Reply to  Paul

How long Paul, would those MMSC’s take to build and commission? Could a Freedom Class lcs be converted to a MMSC?

I keep telling people, our enemies will Not wait for us to rearm!

Thanks for this info on LCS.

Last edited 3 days ago by Meirion X
Paul
Paul (@guest_866991)
3 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

How long Paul, would those MMSC’s take to build and commission? I’m not sure, though I’ve heard that the Saudis have waffled and delayed a bit on the spec, which has in turn contributed to pushing back the Constellation schedule. At least some fabrication on the MMSCs is being done on the new line intended for the Constellations. The MMSCs are being built inside sheds due to the winter weather in Wisconsin, so we won’t see them outside until they are ready to launch. They will also be launched on the new shiplift at Fincantieri Marinette Marine and not sideways… Read more »

Last edited 3 days ago by Paul
Spyinthesky
Spyinthesky (@guest_867038)
3 days ago
Reply to  Paul

Thanks I was wondering if this variant just might have some speculative value as an alternative at least as a point of discussion. From a practical point of view however clearly it is not.

Paul
Paul (@guest_867150)
2 days ago
Reply to  Spyinthesky

“Thanks I was wondering if this variant just might have some speculative value as an alternative at least as a point of discussion. From a practical point of view however clearly it is not.“ Now that the propulsion issues are worked out I absolutely think the Freedom class already has very good capabilities. The helicopter hangar, waterborne mission zone for RHIBs, reconfigurable internal spaces, and a large degree of automation are good assets. Guided ALaMO ammunition already exists for the 57mm gun. The 30mm gun modules work well, and the VL Hellfire system is by all reports very successful in… Read more »

Patrick
Patrick (@guest_866987)
3 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

The USN doesn’t even want those Little Crappy Ships.

Meirion X
Meirion X (@guest_867026)
3 days ago
Reply to  Patrick

The same was also said, about RN T45’s, breaking down in mid Atlantic! Now they are being fixed.

Last edited 3 days ago by Meirion X
Patrick
Patrick (@guest_867028)
3 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

It’s not just the mechincal reliability issues and their aluminium hulls slowly dissolving in sea water. They’re expensive, poorly armed and not fit for a blue water navy.

Meirion X
Meirion X (@guest_867051)
3 days ago
Reply to  Patrick

The hull of the Freedom class is steel, it is the superstructure that consists of Aluminium. So the actual hull is ok. So the superstructure really needs to be rebuilt with steel, which sure can be?

Last edited 3 days ago by Meirion X
Mark
Mark (@guest_867055)
3 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

I’m sure that won’t be expensive at all…

Patrick
Patrick (@guest_867058)
3 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

The Freedom Class is steel, but the other class, the Independence Class, has an aluminium hull. The Independence Class has well documented hull defincies.

The LCS is a case program of how not to do it. The USN has been lumped with a fleet of poorly armed ships it never wanted. That will have a lifetime cost of what is now estimated to be 100 billion. It’s just as well that the US DoD has some very deep pockets.

Meirion X
Meirion X (@guest_867068)
3 days ago
Reply to  Patrick

Could we not persuade the DoD to strip down the superstructure of some of the Freedom class of LCS’s, and to be rebuilt of steel?
It’s a shame of a good hull to go to waste!

Spyinthesky
Spyinthesky (@guest_867041)
3 days ago
Reply to  Patrick

From what I have read these ships would not remotely try to take on a Chinese frigate so I am not sure they would do us much good in any expanded presence in the Pacific. They simply were not design to compete in a blue water environment and putting lipstick on a pig isn’t going to make them competitive in that arena. For the Saudis the environment is different and modified versions may be useful, though I remember the great incredulous surprise when the order was originally made.

Doug S
Doug S (@guest_866888)
3 days ago

Apart from flying the flag, could someone with more naval gravitas please comment on what HMS Spey was able to contribute to this exercise? It has none of the other systems the other ships have so to me becomes a liability rather than an asset. Anti-piracy patrols – fine, no argument. Agreed, we have nothing else to offer which is in itself is a very, very sad state of affairs. Type 31 will in the future be the perfect operating platform for all forays by the RN into Asia Pacific. On a separate note, I do hope the CSG we… Read more »

Meirion X
Meirion X (@guest_866895)
3 days ago
Reply to  Doug S

HMS Spey, is an River Class Offshore Patrol Vessel(OPV), they are just constabulary Patrol Vessels with just a 30mm gun. But I still don’t think our enemies will wait for us to rearm.

Last edited 3 days ago by Meirion X
Andy reeves
Andy reeves (@guest_866936)
3 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

there are more reasons to gun them up than reasons not to.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli (@guest_867008)
3 days ago
Reply to  Andy reeves

Which are?

Andy reeves
Andy reeves (@guest_867023)
3 days ago

Corvettes are front line warships, and doing to ours what the Thais have done to their own b2 river, install a 76mm to melara rapid fire maingun, two extra Ds30MM behind the bridge wings and now harpoon.weve got all of this gear in storage at fountain lake in Portsmouth. removed from the 23’s . Monmouth and Montrose another 5 front line ships ALREADY BUILT WHY NOT?

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli (@guest_867031)
3 days ago
Reply to  Andy reeves

Because they are presence vessels and not Corvettes.
You could do all that, then there’s less money for more frigates.
Not all ships need to be fighty.

Mark
Mark (@guest_867064)
3 days ago
Reply to  Andy reeves

Outside of the Peacocks, the 76mm was never in RN usage, so those are going to have to be bought if you want them, new supply chains, new training programs, its one of the reasons why the RN sold the Peacocks back in the day due to the costs of supporting the 76mm.

Last edited 3 days ago by Mark
SailorBoy
SailorBoy (@guest_867024)
3 days ago

On this one I’m going to have to side with Andy for once.
Upgrading to a 40mm wouldn’t cost the earth and would add a whole new level of capability against drones and small boats.
Nearly doubled range, much more lethal ammunition and the role as a CIWS if necessary.
Babcock have also stated that the 40mm on T31 needs 30% less maintenance than the 30mm.
Same for the Carriers, same for T26 if we can fit the bulky turrets in the right place, but a complete no brainer for Rivers.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli (@guest_867032)
3 days ago
Reply to  SailorBoy

👍
I’d give them a rotary UAV and a decent SIGINT fit.

SailorBoy
SailorBoy (@guest_867042)
3 days ago

True that
Container for S100/Peregrine wouldn’t be difficult.
The Dutch also use the Holland class for ELINT but as they spend most of their time in the Carribbean they probably don’t get up to much interesting stuff.
Rivers on the other hand are in the Pacific with China and often end up escorting Russians through the Channel, so plenty to go off there.

Andy reeves
Andy reeves (@guest_866935)
3 days ago
Reply to  Doug S

the Malaysian and Singapore navy’s must laugh at the pathetic presence the u.k can afford to contribute.bsad so very sad.

Robert Blay
Robert Blay (@guest_867080)
2 days ago
Reply to  Andy reeves

Nations like Singapore don’t laugh at other nations Navy’s. That’s just a school playground comment Andy.

Paul.P
Paul.P (@guest_866958)
3 days ago
Reply to  Doug S

What does HMS Spey contribute? Presence; without her the photo would not have happened. The group had to have a leader around which to coalesce. An excellent example of UK soft power and RN leadership.

Ron
Ron (@guest_866891)
3 days ago

Why is it that the Malaysian frigate reminds me of the T21s?

PeterS
PeterS (@guest_866909)
3 days ago
Reply to  Ron

It was built by Yarrow. Malaysia were going to buy more than 2 but cancelled. Now they’re attempting to build a different design themselves with support from Group Naval.

John fuller
John fuller (@guest_866916)
3 days ago

Could do with them patrolling the channel, because border force ain’t worth a light.

Last edited 3 days ago by John fuller
Andy reeves
Andy reeves (@guest_866927)
3 days ago

an Op Joins Pacific allies? this underlines the pathetic royal navy state. it’s a disgrace oh how the mighty . Malaysia n and Singapore navy’s must be chortling at. what does Spey bring to the party? nothing that’s what. the turning these ‘boats into corvettes, is a long standing debate that won’t go away, even if it DOES make sense.the same goes for echo and enterprise ships all the rivers and echos are substantial platforms which could offer far more to the navy than they are equipped and used for. that would give the RN.N a boost of 7 front… Read more »

Paul.P
Paul.P (@guest_866963)
3 days ago
Reply to  Andy reeves

Be interesting to see what comes out of the defence review. Another 2 ‘batch 3’ Rivers might be useful. Echo and Enterprise are fairly young. It would be nice to think you could convert them to OPVs, but they have such a unique design I doubt its economically feasible.

Cripes
Cripes (@guest_867087)
2 days ago
Reply to  Paul.P

I thought Echo and Enterprise had been retired from the fleet a few years back?

Paul.P
Paul.P (@guest_867091)
2 days ago
Reply to  Cripes

Yes, both decommissioned in 2022 and 2023 respectively I think. I’ve seen no announcements regarding sale or scrap though.

Robert Blay
Robert Blay (@guest_867081)
2 days ago
Reply to  Andy reeves

Navy’s don’t laugh at other nations that can deploy warships or any size or capability so far from home. Its not top trumps. It’s diplomatic relations. And POW is planning a port visit to Singapore next year.

Last edited 2 days ago by Robert Blay
Cripes
Cripes (@guest_867085)
2 days ago
Reply to  Andy reeves

I don”t think either ‘soft power’ or defence credibility is helped by sending a scantily-armed OPV to represent British presence or be the baby in allied naval exercises. There is a useful role for the Rivers, but it is not this. The three operational T31s will take over the out-of-area role in the higher-threat arenas, the SCS, the Gulf and maybe the Falklands. That leaves the lower-threat Gibraltar/West Africa Station, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, the Falklands EEZ patrol ship and the Pacific. Low threat doesn’t mean no threat. A capable corvette would be a much more useful and credible… Read more »

DB
DB (@guest_867010)
3 days ago

Welcome to fantasy fleets comment which all ignore one fact: lack of personnel; that is the big problem for the RFA and Royal Navy and it is not going yo change.

Meirion X
Meirion X (@guest_867029)
3 days ago
Reply to  DB

But does Starmer know fully of the RN issues? He’s the one lately calling for more presence in the Pacific and it seems also in the North Atlantic as well, maybe he also plays fantasy fleets!

Last edited 3 days ago by Meirion X
Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli (@guest_867050)
3 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

Grandstanding.
UK governments are masters at it.
He might mean the pre Labour planned SSN then he can spin it and say we did it.

Mark
Mark (@guest_867063)
3 days ago

To be fair, all governments are in their own way, nothing really unique to the UK about it.

Saccharine
Saccharine (@guest_867059)
3 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

I’m just hoping they kick Capita out of the recruitment process and bring it in house.

If Labour changed absolutely nothing else at all, this would still have a profound and seismic impact on our armed forces.

Meirion X
Meirion X (@guest_867061)
3 days ago
Reply to  Saccharine

👍Agreed!

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli (@guest_867363)
1 day ago
Reply to  Saccharine

Agree. However, I understand Capita is Army only.

Cripes
Cripes (@guest_867088)
2 days ago
Reply to  Meirion X

Ah, but does he mean more ships in the Pacific, or a more capable presence, being T31 rather than River 2? I doubt Healy or the naval staff is advocating more ships, as Healy at least seems to recognise that we are pretty short of everything in NATO Europe.