SINGAPORE, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), the United States Navy (USN) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) began their annual readiness and training exercise here on Monday.

　　The 11-day exercise, which will end on July 3, will focus on conventional maritime competencies in anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare, maritime air operations, and maritime security operations, said a statement from the Singapore's Defense Ministry.

　　A key highlight of the U.S.-Singapore Cooperation Afloat readiness and training (CARAT) is the Mistral missile firing by the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) landing ship tank RSS Endeavor against air drone targets.

　　Land, sea and air elements from the two armed forces, totaling 1,400 personnel, 14 ships, five fixed and rotary wing aircraft, and one submarine, are being deployed for the exercise.

　　The SAF and the U.S. Armed Forces have been participating in exercise CARAT since 1995. This annual series of bilateral maritime training exercises aims to enhance interoperability and professional cooperation between both armed forces.