Singapore, Sep 18 (Xinhua) Singapore and Australia are conducting a joint naval exercise in the South China Sea Sep 18-25, officials said.

Navies of the two countries will conduct a range of exercise such as surveillance, air defence and anti-submarine warfare, Singapore's defence ministry said.

Singapore Navy's frigate RSS Intrepid, missile corvette RSS Valour, and submarine RSS Conqueror will participate in the eight-day exercise called 'Singaroo'.

The Australian Navy will send its guided missile frigate HMAS Arunta and patrol boat HMAS Bathurst.

The annual exercise would enhance the inter-operability of the two navies.