British Typhoons to deploy to Asia Pacific region

Typhoons will deploy around the Asia Pacific region for joint exercises with allies, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to allies in the region.

The Strategic Defence and Security Review made clear the UK’s commitment to the Asia Pacific region, and to building relationships “to address global challenges”.

Following visits to Japan in January and Singapore in May, Mr Fallon confirmed that Typhoon jets will take part in the joint exercise Bersama Lima from Malaysia, which forms part of the UK’s commitment to the Five Power Defence Arrangements.

The Five Power Defence Arrangements are a series of defence relationships established by a series of multi-lateral agreements between the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore signed in 1971, whereby the five powers are to consult each other “immediately” in the event or threat of an armed attack on Malaysia or Singapore for the purpose of deciding what measures should be taken jointly or separately in response.

There is no specific commitment to intervene militarily.

The Five Powers Defence Arrangements do not refer to exclusive economic zones and the enforcement of a state’s EEZ rights is a matter for that state; a state may request the assistance of other states in so doing.

Exercise Bersama Lima is a Five Power Defence Arrangements exercise being held in the South China Sea, Malaysia and Singapore.

The aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability and strengthen the professional relationships of FPDA nations by conducting maritime, land and air operations in a simulated multi-threat environment.