First, as a defensive arrangement, the FPDA should maintain a non-threatening posture to avoid rousing sensitivities in the region.

Third, given the constantly changing strategic environment, the FPDA should continually develop and evolve to remain relevant as a security arrangement.

By 1990, Malaysia and Singapore’s military capacity progressed, and the FPDA’s focus shifted towards training and support.

It now has personnel from all three branches of the armed services, and co-ordinates the annual five-power naval and air exercises, while moving towards the fuller integration of land elements.

[11] John Moore, then Minister of Defence of Australia said, "As an established multilateral security framework, the FPDA has a unique role in Asia.

"[14] On 1 November 2011, Singapore hosted FPDA's 40th anniversary celebrations, with the defence ministers, aircraft and servicemen from all five signatory countries converging on Changi Air Base (East) to participate in the event.

[15] On 18 October 2021, FPDA celebrated its 50th anniversary with joint air and naval displays involving the ships and aircraft of the member countries.

These were observed by Singaporean Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and the High Commissioners of Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

The British destroyer HMS Diamond also took part in the exercise but missed the final days due to technical issues.

[17] Whilst in the region at the time, HMS Queen Elizabeth did not participate in the exercise, likely due to the presence of United States Marine Corps on the aircraft carrier.

[18] The five member-nations continue to contribute to combined and joint exercises, and training opportunities that focus on high-end conventional warfighting, while also being flexible in responding to the changing security landscape.

[27][26][28] They have since become yearly fixtures and have grown in complexity, combining air, sea and land components to address both conventional and non-conventional threats.

[28] FPDA exercises focus on the external defence of Malaysia and Singapore, and high-end conventional warfighting serials.