DR NG SHOWCASES SAF 2030 AT BUDGET DEBATE

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in 2030 will be a connected force, with all its parts speaking to each other to defend Singapore as a single unit. The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the SAF will also continue its steady-hand policy when it comes to defence spending. It will also not let up on diplomacy efforts to ensure that Singapore has a voice on the international stage.

These were some of the key points brought up by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen on 6 Mar at the Committee of Supply or Budget debate, during which he updated Parliament on defence-related issues and MINDEF's long-term plans.

Dr Ng noted that we have Singapore's pioneer generation to thank for the strong SAF of today. "We have done well and this transformation of the SAF speaks volumes of past efforts, and of the sterling and defining contributions of our Pioneers. We salute the Pioneers who laid the foundations of the strong SAF today."

And now, it is up to a new generation to form the SAF as the protectors of the nation.

With China's rise as an economic and military power, dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region are shifting. Asian military spending is also on the rise - surpassing that of Europe and projected to surpass the United States sometime within the next decade. These mean a militarisation of many Asian countries at a never-before-seen magnitude and "this is the larger strategic backdrop against which territorial disputes and incidents amid rising nationalism should be viewed".

"We... must adopt a more robust and resilient approach by building an SAF that can deter would-be aggressors and meet a wide range of security threats so that we would not be caught off- guard or flat-footed," said Dr Ng, in view of the uncertain regional security environment.

He added: "Our planning horizons are intentionally long term and we spend prudently and steadily." This allows the SAF to acquire good buys, such as the Leopard tank, when the opportunity arises. This approach also provides the SAF with a long lead-time to train the troops adequately and to develop platforms, such as the Singapore Light Weight Howitzer Pegasus, that meet its specific operational needs.

Force of the future

The goal is to achieve an SAF which is even more highly connected than today by 2030, said Dr Ng. Be it the fighter pilots in the air, the sailor on the seas or the soldier on land, each will be a node in a larger network. They will be able to talk to each other, jointly target threats and coordinate responses like never before.

"By 2030, the SAF also expects that future systems that are currently prototyped or thought about will be part of our day-to-day use," said Dr Ng. Soldiers could be equipped with multiple micro-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and autonomous robotic mules could be used to help soldiers carry heavy loads.

Already, the building blocks are in place. By 2030, the F-16 fighter aircraft will have upgraded radar systems and be armed with even more precise air-to-ground munitions. They will be deployed alongside their F-15SG brethren to defend Singapore's skies.

More robust ground-based air defences will also be in place, with the deployment of the Surface-to-Air PYthon-5 and DERby (SPYDER) and Aster-30 Surface-to-Air missile systems. While the SPYDER system is currently operational, the Aster-30 Missile System will soon replace the ageing i-Hawk system.

The current aerial tankers operated by the SAF - the KC-135Rs - will also have been replaced by the Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. These new utility aircraft can hold 20 percent more fuel and will further extend the range of the Air Force's fighter aircraft.

The Navy will also see additions in its seaward arsenal, with the addition of two Type-218SG submarines and the new Littoral Mission Vessels. On the back of the successes of the Sikorsky S-70B Naval Helicopters - which have proven themselves adept at counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden - the Navy will be acquiring two more such helicopters.

The SAF is also studying the need for larger Landing Ships Tank (LSTs) than the ones currently in operation. While effective during relief efforts following the Indian Ocean Tsunami, the current LSTs were limited by their carrying capacity - said Dr Ng.

"We are therefore studying carefully the need for larger LSTs that can carry more helicopters as well as more cargo."

By 2030, the number of Army units operating vehicular platforms will almost double. This will make Singapore's land forces more mobile. Expect to see more Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicles being fielded by the SAF, replete with UAVs to enable troops to see further and act more decisively.

Building trust

In his speech, Dr Ng also gave an overview of efforts towards building defence ties with other countries. Singapore cooperates with its most immediate neighbour - Malaysia - in frequent bilateral exercises and joint exercises. The two navies recently commemorated the 30th anniversary of Exercise Malapura.

Speaking on the spat with Indonesia over the naming of its warship, Dr Ng said that while the episode had impacted relations with Indonesia, both countries continue to share many common interests in maintaining regional peace and security.

"We want good defence ties with Indonesia and I hope that we can rebuild this important bilateral relationship, based on mutual trust and respect," said Dr Ng.

Relations with US and China remain strong, with both forces exercising regularly with Singapore's. "Our close relations with US have provided us with many benefits such as access to high-end defence systems which contribute to the SAF's fighting edge," said Dr Ng.

With China, the SAF and the People's Liberation Army share many opportunities for professional exchanges, from courses to port calls.

In the region and further afield, Singapore continues to strengthen defence relations. "Our ties with partners such as Brunei, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, India, France and Germany also remain strong."

Concluding his speech, Dr Ng said: "We build the SAF for an uncertain future with unknown risks and new challenges. But MINDEF is confident that as long as we have the strong support of members of this House and Singaporeans, who are resolved to defend ourselves and willing to invest in building these capabilities, the SAF will be able to preserve our peace and protect our sovereignty."