SG60 PARTY IN THE HEARTLANDS

https://www.defencepioneer.sg/images/default-source/2bfc39f6-5a2f-47ef-976a-5d3ce9be7f25/10aug25_news1_photo1.jpg?sfvrsn=57e1f3cf_3 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/10aug25_news1
https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/10aug25_news1
SG60 PARTY IN THE HEARTLANDS
10 Aug 2025 | COMMUNITY

SG60 PARTY IN THE HEARTLANDS

//STORY DARREN KHO /PHOTOS PIONEER PHOTOGRAPHERS

National Day may be over, but the celebrations continued into the weekend with festivities across the island! 

Cheers erupted as the Red Lions made their descent at Bishan — a fitting start to an evening of community celebrations, static displays, and a dazzling fireworks finale.

From the thrilling Red Lions’s jump to an impressive display of Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Home Team assets in the mobile column, to a fighter jet flypast and fireworks, there were plenty of activities for Singaporeans to enjoy on 10 Aug. 

The National Day Parade (NDP) heartland celebrations took place at Bishan, Punggol, Yishun, Geylang and Bukit Gombak. Check out the action!

A sea of red and white filled the field at Bishan, as hundreds looked skyward in eager anticipation for the Red Lions. These elite military parachutists last performed a jump in the heartlands in 2022.
“We try to come every year (for the NDP heartland celebrations), our kids love it!” said Mr Marcus Low (centre), 36, who was at the Bishan site with his wife, Ms Dorea Chin (left), 36, and their children Isaiah, 7, Hannah, 5, and Ezrah, 2. The family’s wish for SG60? “A more inclusive and empathetic society, where everyone can be kinder to one another”.
The Red Lions (pictured) undergo tough and rigorous preparation ahead to deliver a spectacular performance for the nation’s 60th birthday. Today’s jump marked the Red Lions’ return to the heartlands for the first time since 2022.
A Red Lion parachutist gliding gracefully towards the Bishan landing zone during a rehearsal.
Red Lion 1st Warrant Officer Francis Xavier has a total of about 500 jumps under his belt. To him, every successful jump is a celebration in itself. “As far as traditions go, we usually have a ‘Boost Cheer’ just before we exit the aircraft, to reinforce the sense of camaraderie and pump ourselves up to build confidence.”
This year, the Mobile Column – featuring 60 different assets – travelled to the five heartland sites, with pitstops along the way for the first time. Pictured is one of the convoys making its way to Bukit Gombak ActiveSG Stadium.
SAF personnel aboard the Light Strike Vehicle travelling past Wisma Atria.
Did you manage to catch the Fighter Island Flypast? Four F-16 jets flew in a diamond formation through the heartlands!
First-time visitors to the NDP heartland celebrations, Mr Letchumanan Puvaneswran (right), 37, and Ms Kayyathiri (centre), 35, joined in the Bishan festivities with their 2-year-old daughter Jaasritha. For SG60, the family wishes for “many more peaceful years for Singapore!”
“(The celebrations are) very happening! My son really enjoys the military assets,” said Ms Nur Raudha (left), 36, who is at the Bishan festivities with her husband Muhammad Sarmani, 41, and 3-year-old son Hanan Naim.
Star power: Singer Benjamin Kheng (on stage, right) performing for audiences at the Punggol celebration site.
A perfect ending to a joyful day: The night sky over Bishan lit up in a burst of colours, as the SG60 fireworks finale brought the NDP heartland celebrations to a spectacular close.
Tags NDP NDP2025 Heartland Celebrations Red Lions Mobile Column
Suggested Reading
GUARDIAN OF THE SKIES, GUARDIAN OF FAMILY HERITAGE
PEOPLE
08 Dec 2025

Second-generation hawker, president’s aide, dedicated NSman. Meet MAJ (NS) Wong Pixiang, who contributes to Singapore’s defence in various ways. 

FATHER & SON, BONDED BY SERVICE
PEOPLE
02 Dec 2025

SV3 Bipule Jain joined the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) in 2017 to get a taste of what his sons would go through in NS. Eight years on, his eldest son joins him in wearing Army green.  

Cover story
EXCELLENCE, SPORTSMANSHIP, CAMARADERIE AT 33RD ASEAN ARMIES RIFLE MEET
COMMUNITY
28 Nov 2025

As the 33rd ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet (AARM) draws to a close, here’s a look at all the action that took place during this test of marksmanship, endurance, and sheer will.

Feature
LOCKED & LOADED: SAF SHOOTING CONTINGENT WEAPONS
TECHNOLOGY
26 Nov 2025

Take a closer look at the weaponry at this year’s ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet.

IN SERVICE OF THOSE IN NEED
PEOPLE
24 Nov 2025

MWO Sukhwinder Singh has built a career around delivering humanitarian aid and serving those in need.

LEARNING MORE ABOUT NS
COMMUNITY
23 Nov 2025

Over 200 women experienced a glimpse of National Service (NS) training at the Women’s Boot Camp, held from 21 to 23 November.

Feature
FROM MILITARY MUSICIAN TO MILITARY POLICEWOMAN
PEOPLE
20 Nov 2025

Second-generation soldier 3SG Nurin is writing her own story as a military policewoman in the SAF MP Command. 

Feature
THEY’VE GOT THEIR EYE ON THE BULLSEYE
PEOPLE
18 Nov 2025

The SAF Shooting Contingent must carry these qualities as they prepare to compete in the ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet (AARM) this year.

AI JOINS THE FIGHT IN NATIONAL CYBER DEFENCE EXERCISE
TECHNOLOGY
12 Nov 2025

AI and closer collaboration among agencies and industry are taking centre stage in this year’s Critical Infrastructure Defence Exercise (CIDeX).

DEFENCE IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS
PEOPLE
06 Nov 2025

Whether it’s supporting NSmen in their NS commitments or volunteering in the SAF and empowering youths, 2SG (NS) Elliot Ang and SV2 Sheila Manokaran support our nation’s defence in their own ways.