Sister patrol ships HMS Spey and Tamar—each crewed by around 60 sailors—will fly the flag for the UK by taking part in the Five Power Defence Arrangements’ (FPDA) annual tri-service exercise which begins on Monday.

Bersama Lima—Malay for “Together Five”—sees the five nations’ ships, troops, and air power flex their capabilities in a multi-threat environment at sea, on land, and in the air.

Divers, specialist boarding teams, a tanker, corvette, patrol vessels, frigates, and a submarine are committed on and under the water, while in the skies Australian F-35A Lightning IIs will lead the mock fight.

They will be tested in scenarios as varied as soldiers directing naval gunfire, through board and search exercises at sea, a submarine hunt, and naval air defense supported by air forces.

Before participants knuckle down to the dynamic phase of Bersama Lima, they will spend the first week getting to know each other including the capabilities of the respective vessels and systems, different ways of working, and even down to language used.

At the same time senior officers will confer and attend the planning exercises which are the blueprint for the “live” phase.

The exercise demonstrates the continued commitment of the FPDA member nations to regional security through their operational readiness and ability to work side-by-side.

“We’re looking forward to being a part of Bersama Lima 26—an exercise which unites some of our closest allies, tests the crew in a traditional war-fighting role, and demonstrates the UK’s resolve to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region through supporting our partners,” said Lieutenant Commander Cheryl Goodwin, HMS Tamar‘s Executive Officer.

Royal New Zealand Navy officer Lieutenant Williams is embarked on Tamar with a Kiwi boarding team.

“It’s a first for me and my team, but it’s a well-trodden path which has been established through a deep history of our navies working together,” he said.

“We’ve got a lot of experience to share, are always looking to improve, and we’re ready to go.”

The Royal Navy has maintained a presence in the Indo-Pacific for over five years and undertaking military exercises such as Bersama Lima reflects the UK’s ongoing commitment to peace and prosperity in the region.

The exercise is a return to duties for HMS Spey having spent the summer undergoing an overhaul in Singapore, while her older sister Tamar has been extremely active.

Over this busy period, HMS Tamar has taken part in a major US Navy humanitarian exercise, Pacific Partnership, having spent a week forging ties with Cambodia and also undertaking a Freedom of Navigation activity with the Royal Australian Navy.