Sister patrol ships HMS Spey and Tamar spearheaded UK Armed Forces’ involvement in Bersama Lima 2026, a demonstration of the resolve and ability of Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Singapore and Britain to safeguard the freedom and prosperity of the region.
The exercise—its name means ‘Together Five’ in Malay—tests the military of the participating nations by land, sea, and air, with authentic scenarios building up in complexity, culminating in a two-day war game.
Before participants set sail for the dynamic phase of Bersama Lima, they spent a week getting to know each other, including the capabilities of the respective vessels and systems, different ways of working, even down to language used to ensure when the pace quickened at sea, they could interact smoothly.
The maritime phase embraced the gamut of naval warfare involving a spread of vessels: corvettes, frigates, patrol ships, and a submarine.
They conducted maritime security operations—boarding and searching suspect vessels—while soldiers directed gunfire from the ships on to targets ashore, took part in a submarine hunt, and an air defense exercise supported by aerial forces.
HMS Tamar hosted a specialist Royal New Zealand Navy Deployable Boarding Team (DBT) who were exercised on numerous occasions, investigating suspected illegal fishing and narcotics smuggling—perfect training for both the team and the ship as their next mission will be to conduct such patrols for real.
The exercise demonstrated the continued commitment of the signatories of the Five Power Defence Arrangement to regional security, a commitment which stretches back more than a half century, evolving to meet changing challenges and threats.
“Bersama Lima was an excellent opportunity to put my ship’s company through their paces and refresh their war-fighting skills with our Five Power allies,” said Commander Tom Lindsey, HMS Tamar‘s Commanding Officer.
“There was a great breadth to this iteration of Bersama Lima: fifth-generation fighter jets, international boarding teams and Singapore’s newest submarine which, combined with the level of competence and professionalism showed, levelled up the experience gained.
“These war-fighting serials demonstrated that we can put a task group together in short order and successfully operate together to achieve a spectrum of scenarios.
Able Seaman Mansfield, one of Tamar‘s Seaman Specialists, added: “Driving a Kiwi boarding team up to a suspect vessel with a second sea boat, armed to the teeth, was a surreal experience which really brought the exercise to life.
“We also got the opportunity to replenish underway at sea where we exchanged some goods from home with HMAS Stalwart, who sent Tim Tams [Australia’s favourite biscuit] in return!”
“It was a privilege to attend Bersama Lima 26 alongside our FPDA partners, an exercise which demonstrates over five decades of commitment to training and working together.
“Throughout the harbour phase, HMS Spey‘s sailors took the opportunity to learn from each of the Five Power nations and share their skills to enhance interoperability and build stronger friendships in the region.”
Through Portsmouth-based HMS Tamar and Spey—each crewed by around 60 sailors—the Royal Navy has maintained a persistent presence in the Indo-Pacific region for over five years on their Operation Highwall mission.
HMS Spey is now heading to south-east Asia for several weeks of patrols and diplomatic engagement while her sister is making for Australia and New Zealand via some of the Pacific Island chains where she’ll conduct maritime security patrols and counter illegal fishing.
