WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The top defense officials said the aircraft’s deployment would help to promote regional militaries cooperation and provide support for regional maritime security efforts.
“Secretary Carter and Dr. Ng also welcomed the inaugural deployment of the P-8 Poseidon aircraft to Singapore from 7 to 14 Dec. 2015,” the release said.
At present, the US military conducts surveillance missions from Japanese and Philippine airfields, while continuing military patrols in the disputed waters.
Carter and Ng met in Washington, DC to sign the enhanced defense cooperation agreement, which should provide a new framework for an expanded defense cooperation, according to the Defense Department.
Under the enhanced agreement, the countries will cooperate in the spheres of military, policy, strategic as well as technology, and work against such challenges as piracy and transnational terrorism.