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The Singapore Police Force (SPF), in collaboration with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), conducted a joint counter-terrorism exercise, Exercise Nexus Resolve 2026 (XNR 26), from 5 May 2026 to 6 May 2026. The exercise is part of ongoing efforts to test and validate Singapore’s response to terrorist threats.

More than 1,000 personnel from the SPF, SAF, and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), as well as key aviation stakeholders including Changi Airport Group and Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore participated in the exercise, which was conducted at the Home Team Tactical Centre (HTTC) and at Changi Airport. It simulated near-concurrent shopping mall and aircraft terrorist scenarios to test the coordination, command and control and responses of agencies under complex and dynamic conditions.

During the exercise, SPF and SAF response teams were activated at both locations to respond to a range of simulated high-threat incidents, including armed attacks in public spaces, hostage situations, aircraft hijacking, and the detection of Improvised Explosive Devices. At HTTC, SPF resources were deployed to bring the situation under control, support subsequent tactical operations and assist in post incident management. The SAF’s Special Operations Task Force (SOTF), as the designated force for complex counter-terrorism hostage rescue operations, was activated to conduct deliberate and precision-led operations to neutralise threats, secure affected areas, and bring hostages to safety. Concurrently at Changi Airport, the teams worked closely with aviation stakeholders to secure affected areas, facilitate coordinated response efforts, and ensure the continuity of critical airport operations within a complex, high-traffic environment. The exercise also tested SCDF’s ability to manage and respond effectively to mass casualty incidents under time-sensitive conditions.

Commander of Airport Police Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police (AC) M. Malathi, said, “Exercise Nexus Resolve demonstrated the close coordination between SPF, SAF, SCDF, and key aviation stakeholders under Singapore’s crisis response framework. SPF will continue to work with our agencies and stakeholders to maintain a high level of operational readiness by way of regular training and exercises. We remain ready to respond effectively and swiftly to any terror or security incidents.”

As part of the integrated response, SAF’s Special Operations Task Force (SOTF) – the force of choice for terrorist hostage scenarios – operated alongside SPF’s specialised units in resolving the simulated hostage scenarios. Building on the close collaboration between agencies, Commander SOTF, Colonel Alvin Tjioe Jin Kiat, said, “Exercise Nexus Resolve underscores the importance of close coordination between the SAF and our Home Team partners. The SAF Special Operations Task Force remains highly trained and ready 24/7 to respond to complex terrorism threats, including hostage situations, with precise control and deliberate interventions under high-risk environments. We have and will always maintain a high level of readiness to respond swiftly and decisively to complex, and evolving threats, to keep Singapore and our people safe.” 

XNR 26 provided a valuable platform to strengthen interoperability across Whole-of-Government agencies and stakeholders involved in Singapore’s security framework. Such exercises are critical in enhancing national preparedness against security threats, strengthening inter-agency coordination, and maintaining public confidence in Singapore’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to incidents impacting national security. 

Arrival of officers from the SPF’s Special Operations Command (SOC), in response to a terrorist scenario at a shopping mall in HTTC



SOTF operators closing in on terrorists during the exercise at HTTC



Members of the public being taken hostage by perpetrators in a terrorist scenario at a shopping mall in HTTC



Personnel from the SPF’s SOC and SAF’s SOTF working together to resolve the situation at HTTC



Personnel from the SPF’s SOC and SAF’s SOTF during the handover of hostages at HTTC



SPF officers from the Airport Police Division and SOC working with SCDF to resolve another near-concurrent terrorist scenario involving the hijack of an aircraft at Changi Airport



SPF assisting with the evacuation of hostages from the hijacked aircraft at Changi Airport after the successful secure of aircraft cabin by SOTF