The German Frigate “Bayern”, on its way to the Indian Ocean, and six ships of the Royal Malaysian Navy (KD Jebat, KD Lekir, KD Sri Indera Sakti, KD Sundang, KD Laksamana Hang Ndim and KD Gempita) under the command of Western Fleet Commander of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), Vice-Admiral Datuk Abu Bakar bin Md Ajis, conducted a successful Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the northern Straits of Malacca. The exercise aimed at ensuring safe communication and cooperation at sea.

The seven-month patrol and training mission of the frigate “Bayern” from August 2021 to February 2022 is an important and tangible contribution to protecting and safeguarding the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, to providing support to international missions such as “Atalanta” and “Sea Guardian”, and performing port visits and engaging in training and exercises with Germany’s allies and partners in the region.

The mission of the “Bayern” is bolstering international law and it underlines the significance of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (#UNCLOS) as a comprehensive, universally applicable legal framework for all activities in the world’s oceans and seas. At the same time, as demonstrated by the German Navy and the Royal Malaysian Navy, cooperation and interoperability between partner countries are strengthened. The success of the PASSEX and the achievement of all its objectives is the result of the professionalism and commitment of both world-class navies, which after many years have had the opportunity to train together again.

The mission of the frigate is also a visible example of Germany‘s increased engagement in the region based on the Guidelines for the Indo-Pacific.

Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia
Kementerian Pertahanan Malaysia
Wisma Putra
Bundeswehr
Auswärtiges Amt

Bundeswehr / TLDM