An especially significant year for bilateral defence cooperation. Four Italian servicemen who lost their lives in Bosnia and Herzegovina commemorated.
Singapore, 6 November 2026 – The strengthening of defence ties between Italy and Singapore was a key theme of the address delivered by Italy’s Ambassador to Singapore, Dante Brandi, at the celebration of Italy’s National Unity and Armed Forces Day, organised in Singapore by the Office of the Defence Attaché. The event was attended by Guest of Honour Rear Admiral Augustine Lim, Chief of Staff of the Republic of Singapore Navy and Navy Sustainability Officer, as well as representatives of the Italian and Singaporean civilian and military authorities.
Among the most significant developments were the Letter of Intent signed by the two countries’ Ministries of Defence at the Singapore Airshow last February, aimed at strengthening cooperation in defence technology, and the Memorandum of Understanding on Supply Chain Resilience in the Defence Sector, signed in May on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in the presence of Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and his Singaporean counterpart, Chan Chun Sing. The Ambassador also recalled the visit to Singapore by the Italian Navy ship Giovanni delle Bande Nere, as part of Italy’s commitment to promoting security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
The ceremony paid tribute to the four Italian servicemen – Sergeant Simone Ruggia, Sergeant Claudio Marchesi, Lieutenant Franco Adriano Zecchillo and Sergeant Laura Procacci – who lost their lives in a helicopter accident in Bosnia and Herzegovina while serving as part of the EUFOR Althea mission. “Their sacrifice reminds us of the human cost of safeguarding peace and security,” Ambassador Brandi said, expressing his heartfelt condolences and solidarity with the families of the fallen servicemen.
In his address, Defence Attaché Colonel Emanuele Di Francesco recalled the historical significance of 4 November and highlighted the contribution of the Italian Armed Forces to international peace and security, as well as the dedication of Italian military personnel serving both at home and on overseas missions.
Press Office
Enrico Nicolosi – Press and Communication Attaché
Embassy of Italy in Singapore
enrico.nicolosi@esteri.it
+65 6253 3549
