LEOPARD TANKS SEE INTEGRATED ACTION AT EXERCISE WALLABY 2009

The live firing at this year's Exercise Wallaby achieved a significant milestone with the integration of the fully operational 48th Battalion Singapore Armoured Regiment (48 SAR) with other armour-infantry elements and Apache attack helicopters from the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

The finale scenario of the annual exercise held at Shoalwater Bay, Queensland, Australia, was designed to be aligned with actual operational conditions that would stretch the unit in command of the battle group across wide expanse of terrain and at a high operational tempo.

On site to witness the integrated live firing on 24 Nov was Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen, who visited the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) troops participating in Exercise Wallaby 2009 as part of his four-day visit to Australia.

At the exercise, Dr Ng saw the concerted efforts of the SAF air and land platforms simultaneously hitting the planned targets. They included the Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tanks from 48 SAR, the BIONIX II Infantry Fighting Vehicles and the Apache AH-64D Longbow helicopters.

This year, the Armour Live Firing System (ALFS) was also deployed for the first time by an Armoured Battle Group, and with integration with attack helicopters.

Previously, soldiers had to "rehearse" with dry runs and blanks before executing live firing, now with the ALFS, both will be done away with. Instead, a matrix factoring the level of unit proficiency and the degree of difficulty in executing the manoeuvre will guide the preparatory activities required. These include table top exercises, rock drills, and walk-the-ground for commanders and troopers in some instances.

Chief of Armour, Colonel Benedict Lim said that the ALFS is a realistic system that mirrors operational conditions, and shapes the right mentality and attitude during such live firings.

"The ALFS has brought live firing to another level it is more operational, realistic, and heightens the sense of combat proficiency and confidence in the soldiers," he added.

Lance-Corporal Clarence Fong, who operates the machine gun on the Bionix II during the exercise told cyberpioneer, "In the past whenever we have live firing we will rehearse with blanks. Now with this ALFS, it will be more realistic, there is no rehearsal, we only have to do it once."

Some 3,900 Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel are taking part in Exercise Wallaby 2009 held at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

For Lieutenant Zhou Shufeng, an Apache pilot taking part in Exercise Wallaby for the first time, it was a valuable experience where he got the chance to work with land platforms from the Army.

"During the integrated live firing exercises, we were able to see the Leopard tanks fire, and the guys on ground saw us fire from the air. It was great training for everyone, he enthused.

The exercise, which began on 16 October, will conclude on 29 Nov.