Singapore's defense chief makes 1st official visit to Lithuania

VILNIUS - Singapore's Chief of Defense Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng made his first official visit to Lithuania this week.

Beng met with Lithuania's Chief of Defense General Raimundas Vaiksnoras and Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene to discussed the security situation in the regions, the Lithuanian Armed Forces said in a press release on Wednesday.

Singapore's chief of defense welcomed the decision to build patrol vessels in Lithuania and praised the capabilities of the local shipyard, the military said.

"During the meeting, we focused on the security situation in our regions and on strengthening bilateral cooperation. We also discussed sharing experiences in strategic communication and models of public engagement in total defense," Sakaliene was quoted as saying in the press release.

The minister added that Lithuania expects to expand cooperation with Singapore in the defense industry.

"Singapore is a leader in innovation, which opens up new opportunities for cooperation. We are also looking to expand our partnership in the field of cyber security," she said.

The Singaporean delegation also visited the Duke Vaidotas Infantry Battalion in Rokantiskes, Vilnius District, where they were briefed on the procedures for inducting conscripts into mandatory initial military service, their service routine, daily schedule, and living infrastructure.

The visitors also attended a presentation and demonstration of the Lithuanian Armed Forces' drone capabilities.

The two sides also discussed Singapore's use of virtual simulators and virtual training environments for preparing conscripts as an alternative to field exercises in military training areas.