Ng Eng Hen
Singapore
“I think we try to keep this virtuous state of affairs as long as we can to make sure that we can invest steadily. Year-to-year fluctuations would occur, whether it is economic, not so much in COVID-19, but remember the Global Financial Crisis? Everybody needs to take a haircut. If you have to take a haircut, you have to take a haircut.”
“Mr Chairman, as the World around us becomes more unpredictable and changes, the more we need to keep the strongest commitment to strengthen our own defences and, if needed, we must be willing to do more. Singapore celebrates 60 years of Independence this year.”
“MINDEF will continue to work with partners to encourage Singaporeans to raise their digital literacy, develop and maintain good cybersecurity habits, protect sensitive data and guard against scams, fake news and disinformation so as to make the digital domain a safer and more secure space.”
“The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) conducts regular mobilisation exercises (MOBEX) of our National Service (NS) forces. In a silent mobilisation, NSmen are notified through their personal contact numbers. Open mobilisations include the broadcast of unit code-words through mass media.”
“In 2020, the Ministry of Defence replied to a Parliamentary Question on this matter that the relocation of Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) would likely occur around 2030 or beyond, after Changi Air Base and Tengah Air Base have been expanded to house the existing assets at PLAB.”
“When incidents or near-misses happen, as it did where one Hunter armoured fighting vehicle rear-ended another during Exercise Wallaby in Australia, thorough investigations are conducted and lessons learnt shared across the units.”
The complete record
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“I assume, Mr Speaker, you are asking for Parliament to be adjourned?”
“Mr Chairman, may I seek your consent to move that progress be reported now and leave be asked to sit again tomorrow?”
“Mr Chairman, I want to close, and Senior Minister of State Zaqy and Senior Minister of State Heng will deal with other issues that Members have raised. But let me again reiterate my deep thanks to the Members of this House. We have not had difficulty passing MINDEF's Budget. Your questions have not been too hard or too spiky. And I think it reflects: one, the understanding that we are so vulnerable. So many examples and, honestly, for the last five years, it has not been difficult to sell defence. We see a turbulent world, but we must remember even in peaceful times; I gave the example of a PG that underwent 60 years of turbulence versus this generation of 30 years of peace – which is the norm. We may very well revert to the PG – 60 years of turbulence. We do not know what the future will bring but as long as we have a strong SAF, we have some deterrence, protection, and we can determine our own future if our people are united and with a strong SAF and various other agencies. Thank you for your support.”
“Singapore works with partners to protect this infrastructure because we are either the intermediary or the tail end, and we are a hub for fibre optics subsea cables, including more subsea cables. But, in truth, it is thousands and thousands of miles of, whether it is gas pipelines, subsea cables. And they can be sabotaged. We cannot run away from it. We should not give false assurance. If they are sabotaged, there will be disruption. Certain militaries have now commissioned ships to map the entire universe, meaning subsea cables all around the world. You can map it. But all you need is to disrupt one point far away, and the whole so-called supply chain is disrupted. We have some redundancy because we have more than one fibre optic subsea cable. The natural gas pipelines of Singapore are designed and built to international standards. So, within our waters, they are protected with rock armour and laid in no-anchor zones. But of course, they move elsewhere. For redundancy, we have the capacity to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) to meet our electricity needs. Terrorism is another prime example, and I think Mr Alex Yam talked about the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Cybersecurity and Information Centre of Excellence (ACICE). This is to deal with cyber disinformation and information threats. We opened it. And we held our inaugural Digital Defence Symposium and ASEAN Roundtable. We have to work with other partners. That does not mean all problems can be solved, but we have to build credibility and partnerships. 8.00 pm And lastly, for humanitarian efforts, Mr Zhulkarnain Rahim talked about this – our Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Coordination Centre was set up in 2014 to better coordinate our efforts with local and international agenices.”
“Mr Speaker, I want to assure the Members of the House I will not need that time. My time was Dempsey, right? Now, it is occupied by swanky restaurants. I am not sure who else; some of us in that vintage, we were none the wiser 18-year-olds. You go to Dempsey, and after that you go to General Equipment Base (GEB). Some of you grew up in the era of Depot Road. That is your memory. Well, the new CMPB is opposite Cashew MRT. I think this will be probably the permanent home. In the picture that you see, Phase 1 will be opening from 2025, and Senior Minister of State Heng will speak on this in more detail. At the outset, I posed this question: what can Singapore do to secure our future in a turbulent world? The answer is mundane but never simple – build a strong SAF for deterrence, but even that is not enough. To survive, Singapore needs Total Defence. We commemorate the 40th anniversary of Total Defence. Deputy Prime Minister Wong launched the Exercise SG Ready. It is an apt reminder. Members may have participated and Senior Minister of State Zaqy will speak more on this. I also said that we must not expect another country to come to rescue us like Kuwait. But that certainly does not mean we do not work with like-minded countries. This is what Members are talking about, to deal with transnational issues, Mr Alex Yam and Ms Sylvia Lim. I agree completely with Ms Lim that we have critical underwater infrastructure, subsea cables and pipelines. In law, it sounds protected, right? Because in 2019, ASEAN developed guidelines for strengthening the resilience and repair of telecommunications submarine cables. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) sets an international legal framework to govern underwater critical infrastructure.”
“But it is about the mindset among MINDEF and SAF personnel, the way we approach challenges, the constant emphasis to do things better, safer, not only to protect Singapore, but to improve the lived experience of our soldiers. Mr Patrick Tay said this is "digital gain", and I agree with him. So, we are using smarter chatbots to answer HR enquiries so that you do not have to go back and forth. Another example is the use of biometrics. For some restricted areas in MINDEF HQ, facial recognition is the norm to control access. It recognises you. If you are a foreign person, it shoots you. Not quite. This is a joke. It just does not let you enter. I am just trying to see if you are still awake. It just recognises you, and if it does not, you cannot go in. DSTA employees no longer require a camp pass to go to work because of this technology. The 2nd People's Defence Force (2PDF) is in the process of operationalising facial recognition for camp access. The aim is to progressively roll this out to the rest of our camps and bases to be the norm during peacetime. During war and periods of tension (POT), I think there may be issues. The applications of AI, when we apply it, but we have to do it judiciously. You will see in your handout, the new Central Manpower Base (CMPB) opposite Cashew MRT. My generation is Dempsey Parade Square.”
“Now, it is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which are electronic RFID things. If somebody shoots you, you are "dead". If your vehicle is shot, it does not move. It has become more realistic. We have built that up, but for urban built-up areas, we do not have that. That is what SAFTI City Phase 1 will do. Instrumented Battle Circuits means you go into a building, in a room, it is the same outfit, and if you are shot, you are shot. So, it is very good training because you can do an after-action review (AAR), video playback, see what you have done wrong. Shoalwater Bay Training Area is near completion. Last year, we deployed 4,300 personnel, 450 platforms to Shoalwater Bay. It was the largest-ever edition of Exercise Wallaby. So, not only is Singapore committed to its defence, we have friends who are willing to open up their country to allow us to put all these platforms there. And this year, the expanded training area will allow us to increase the scale of exercise by close to 50%, with an increase in training duration for six to nine weeks. Then, there is the adjacent Greenvale Training Area. The SAF will have a combined training area 10 times the size of Singapore. We can deploy up to 14,000 personnel, 2,400 vehicles and equipment annually. We will have improved administrative medical facilities by 2024. This took years to build up, but it is coming to fruition. We have been training in the Shoalwater Bay training area since 1990, and I want to thank, on our behalf, the government and the people of Australia for these opportunities. I have tried to give various examples to see where our defence dollars have gone over the years, and the overall picture is one of continuous progress and virtuous cycle, spiralling up even when new threats arise.”
“We had about 200 frontline cyber defenders, 25 other national agencies. Scenarios simulated attacks by both ransomware, some of you talked about it, and nation-state cyber attackers on our key infrastructure: power, water, 5G telecommunications. So, in other words, you sit them in a room, you simulate the attacks, how do we defend? This exercise will be like their live firing, will be held regularly to expand and cover more sectors. We are building a digital range because you cannot do it on live systems, right? But we have a digital range that replicates these systems. That digital range will be completed in 2026. It will allow us to scale, add complexity and realism in this digital domain. All in all, when it concerns hardware and systems for SAF, our steady defence spending has built up an SAF that is modernised and effective with a full suite of capabilities against threats: air, land, sea and cyberspace. This is a short summary statement and it belies the decades of hard work and commitment by our servicemen and women, including some in the House, and your constant support for MINDEF's budget. I have shown Members what it looks like in the ORBAT in the handout, but we must never forget people. We are only as good as our people, no matter how advanced our platforms. And we have made sizeable investments in building up infrastructure to train our NSmen and Regulars. So, if you look at the handout, SAFTI City Phase 1, together with our three Instrumented Battle Circuits. During my time, some of you maybe also, when you do exercises, you use blanks and bang, bang, bang, bang. So, I pretend to shoot you, you pretend to shoot back and nobody dies. Well, we have come a long way from that.”
“We are not there yet, but our Army soldiers can use their own micro-UAVs. They will be an asset for soldiers on foot for last-mile surveillance. And we are tapping on a new generation of NSmen who are tech-savvy. So, for example, Corporal First Class Zubayr. He is an avid drone enthusiast. They tapped on his expertise. He comes from 3rd Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment (3 SIR) to refine the drone tactics, techniques, procedures, including launching and operating from a Terrex. And we will continue to harness the skills of our NSmen to strengthen our capabilities. Mr Desmond Choo, Mr Vikram Nair asked if we can use it, and they gave examples of current missions in Ukraine, in the Middle East, others can use it against us. You are absolutely right. You have to assume that a potential aggressor can do the same. They can scale it. Terrorists can use low-cost drones to launch attacks here. It makes very little sense to launch a couple of million-door missiles to attack a couple of thousand dollars drone. The attrition of costs will bankrupt you. So, that cannot be the modus operandi. We are alive to these security threats. We set up groups to brainstorm and develop sustainable countermeasures. And they include off-the-shelf solutions: jammer guns, or our usual rifles fitted with a smart fire control system, an on-board computer to accurately shoot down a small drone. Mr Shawn Huang and Mr Don Wee said that the digital domain is an increasingly contested battleground. I agree completely with them. And that was the reason we formed the DIS in 2022, to build up competencies, to work closely with other national agencies. Mr Alex Yam also talked about this. The DIS co-organised the Critical Infrastructure Defence Exercise (CIDeX) in November last year.”
“For the Army, the next-generation Armoured Tracked Carriers (ATCs) and the next-generation Howitzers will be brought into service. The ATCs will operate alongside the Bronco Tracked Carrier and replace the older BV206. Some of you may have used it – more protected, more mobile. I know that some Members here are from the artillery and will appreciate the difference between the new Howitzer and the old field Howitzer 2000 that they operated. You have memories of your old Howitzer that you operated. The new Howitzers are self-loading, shoot faster and move, and require 60% less manpower. Mr Vikram Nair and Mr Henry Kwek asked what about unmanned capabilities. The Ukraine situation, the situation in the Middle East, have proven that unmanned platforms are already part of today's current war, not even future. And it is a given in any modern military, and it will be increasingly used, and we will do the same. So, this year, the Navy's Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) goes fully operational. In other words, no person on it, fully unmanned, automated. It will patrol the Singapore Strait alongside our Littoral Mission Vessels and patrol vessels. Locally designed, manufactured, these USVs, fully autonomous, can navigate our busy shipping lanes. Touch wood, that is what they promised me. It is a busy shipping strait, and these are unmanned, but I think they were put to trials and they performed. In addition, our Navy ships will have Close-Range Unmanned Aerial Vehicles by the second half of this year to extend their range for surveillance. So, UAVs on ships. The UAVs will also filter down to the soldiers in the Army. Some of you are sci-fi buffs and you know the movies where you have your own personal android that follows you that can survey and shoot people and protect you.”
“Submarines are a hefty investment and obviously, I cannot use them for National Day Parade, like I do our planes. But rest assured that our submarines will silently and stealthily protect the waters around us. Later this year, we will commission her, as well as launch the fourth and final submarine in Kiel. This submarine programme, custom made for the RSN – this is the first time we have got them custom-made. Previously, we ordered used submarines, adapted for our use, of course. But this is the first time, from scratch, we dealt with the defence supplier, this is what we need. When did we start this? 2000. Twenty years ago. Defence is a long-term business. And as some of you rightly pointed out, including Mr Don Wee, you cannot decide that you are going to have defences up. President Zelensky spoke at the recent Munich Security Conference, in person. He sent a chill down the audience's spine, when he said, I think, "You European countries, are not ready for an invasion!" Ukraine, despite all its preparations, was not ready. 7.45 pm For the next few days, that was the question back and forth, "Are we ready for an invasion?" So, if you look The Economist's front page, the title is: Is Europe Ready? It is not. Because they have not committed to that defence spending. Questions were asked, what happens if the US – they are looking at elections, too – what happens if the US reduces its commitment? And only now are the Europeans saying we have to be responsible for our own defence. Defence spending is a long-term business and because we stuck to it, all four submarines will be operational around Singapore waters by 2028. Submarines are a strategic asset. Those of you who are military buffs will understand what I mean.”
“That is how competitive it is. So, we will capitalise on this window of opportunity to accelerate our F-35 programme. We have ordered, as Ms Poh Li San said four plus eight F-35Bs. This time, we are putting in an order to acquire eight F-35As, adding to our 12 F-35Bs. The RSAF could take these decisions deliberately, cool and calculated mindset, because of the steady defence spending over the years. And this allowed our mid-life upgrade of F-16Cs, our Ds and D+s, which the F-35 will replace. The F-16s, after their mid-life upgrade, will be drawn down progressively from mid-2030 onwards. We will receive the first four F-35Bs which we ordered four years ago in 2026; it seems to be on schedule. And the subsequent eight F-35Bs that we are in 2028. That is a couple of years from now. The F-35A variant that I am announcing today, if Parliament approves this Budget, will arrive around 2030. We have to deprioritise other projects for this opportunity buy, but we have done our calculations and we think that this is the best time to put in the order for the F-35As. Why? Because the F-35As are designed for greater endurance. They have the ability to carry a payload at higher capacity. They complement the F-35Bs which are short, take off and vertical landing, because the F-35As are bigger, bulkier, bigger range, and provide more operational flexibility. In sum, after the F-16s retire, the RSAF will operate F-35As, F-35Bs and F15SGs. Premier League. Capable of performing the full suite of missions required to defend Singapore skies. This will be a capable Air Force above all to protect our skies. For the Navy, our first invincible class submarine returned to Singapore last year. You did not notice. If you notice, then it is not doing its job.”
“But we are in a very, very different position. We are in Singapore – 5.5 million people, looking at F-35s. And we started evaluating the F-35s in 2004, 20 years ago. First, as a Security Cooperation Participant, and then we dipped our feet in the water tentatively, ordered four aircrafts for evaluation. But since then, as Ms Poh Li San recognised, events have overtaken that. Because since that period, the F-35s have been deployed by other air forces for real missions, which is the final test of any evaluation, final test of any combat platform. So, for example, the US and the UK, their F-35s, they conducted successful strikes against ISIS in the Middle East. More recently, the US used their F-35s to locate and identify surface-to-air missile sites of Russian units in Ukraine. This information was shared with NATO countries. So, to-date, more than 900 F-35s have flown in operations around the world. When we began our evaluation, these were not the numbers. And their battlefield successes have prompted more countries – Switzerland, Germany, to jump on board the F-35 programme. Other countries, South Korea, Japan, UK, have placed additional orders. So, a question was asked whether there are supply chain disruptions? Not for the F-35, in fact, the reverse. More orders have gone in because around the world, they have recognised that the F-35 is a proven fifth generation fighter aircraft; advanced sense and strike capabilities. So, globally, there are close to 2,500 F-35s, and that is a healthy pipeline on the order book. Because of that the price is now more competitive. In fact, if you buy an F-35, put in an order for it, it is not like a car, but you understand what I am saying. If you put in an order for an F-35 today, the price is comparable to an F-15EX.”
“I think Mr Vikram noted that our NS cohorts, he said, "will be coming down." I must tell him it has already come down. And the last time we were in a dragon year, all of us expected that to have good news. Today, our total fertility rate is 0.97. We all expect a mini dragon. We never had real dragons for a long time since 1988. That was the last real dragon. Beyond that, every dragon cycle are mini dragons. I hope we are proven wrong this year, but let us leave that to another Ministry. It has come down because as various Defence Ministers and including MPs have said, we sustained defence spending and that was the most effective and efficient means of building a strong military over the longer term. So, today, we are reaping dividends of the sums we put in steadily over the past 20 years. And if we continue to invest wisely, we will reap more dividends in the future. If you read the newspapers today, what the Denmark, either the Defence Minister or Prime Minister was saying, "we should cut back on welfare to increase our defence spending." We never want to be in that position. We actually want to do both. Steady long-term defence spending enables platforms and capabilities to mature over the necessary timeline and to enhance synergy and reap efficiencies. Let me illustrate to make it more clear with practical examples along the way. Ms Poh Li San asked about our F-35s. So, that is a good place to start, to illustrate what I mean. The F-35s when operational will put the RSAF in the Premier League. That is it. The sixth generations are being developed, but it will take some time. So, when they are operational, we will be in the Premier League. When did we start looking at the F-35 programme? You think it is a matter of course, right? You pay the money, you get it.”
“Thank you. These handouts are instructive, so, while you are listening, take your time to peruse it. You can also access this through SG PARL MP mobile app. First, our GDP. As Members can see, two decades ago, we were spending 5% of GDP on defence. By the way, every time Budget comes around, I pick up and compare figures. The average Middle East spending, Middle Eastern countries is about 4% of GDP. Europe, of course, is undergoing huge turmoil, they have not spent even 2%. But two decades ago, we were spending 5% of GDP on defence. Now, we are down to about 3%. That is a 40% reduction in share. Now, we could be decreasing because Total Government spending has been either maintained or is reducing. But total Government spending as a percentage of GDP has increased, from an average of 16% in the early 2000s to an average of 18% in recent years. I think if you listen to Deputy Prime Minister Wong, there are structural reasons why our economy and our revenue flows will not be as high as before. I think it is good that we reach this level, and some of you have asked, including Mr Chong what are our future defence spending is, I would say that our spending can stay around 3%, move up or down a bit, but in this range over the next decade, with one important caveat: barring conflicts and wars, obviously. Mr Alex Yam, Mr Henry Kwek and Mr Don Wee asked "That is the overall picture, but where has this spending gone? And how are you preparing the SAF?" These are excellent questions. Let me make clear the decrease in defence budget as a percentage of GDP was not because the SAF cut back on what is necessary to defend Singapore. Our defence capabilities have never been compromised. It is also not because our manpower has come down.”
“In the coming Financial Year, MINDEF projects an expenditure of around $20.2 billion – a 2.5% increase from last year, FY23. If you compare this to 2022, the increase is higher, but that was because we were catching up – projects and activities disrupted by the pandemic. Despite nominal increases for defence spending over the past years, the share as a percentage of GDP has been falling mainly because Singapore's GDP has been growing faster than defence spending. That is a good outcome. With your permission, Mr Chairman, I have asked the Clerks to distribute handouts.”
“Iraq said, "you are pumping from your side, but you are siphoning off from my side." Geographically, I think it is possible, but that was the claim, anyhow. Wealthy, small Kuwait with its rich resources was a tempting and lucrative victim. Wealthy, small Singapore can be a lucrative target, without a strong defence. In that invasion, the US came to the rescue of Kuwait and led 42 countries to join forces in an air and ground war. The SAF provided support for casualties. We deployed a 30-member medical team to the region. But I want to make clear here, that if ever something similar happens to us here in Singapore, this Government, MINDEF and the SAF do not plan on the basis that we can depend on another country to come to our rescue. If Singaporeans will not or cannot defend Singapore, there is no backstop. That is the simple truth. A strong SAF acts a deterrent against aggression towards us and keeps adventurism at bay. When I listen to the speeches of MPs, it was heartening because all of you understand, across the aisle, of whatever political persuasion, we are on our own. And I want to thank Members of this House for supporting MINDEF's Budget every year. We do spend precious dollars consistently on defence, as some of you observed. Money which could have benefited other causes, but we know that without security, there can be no progress. Singapore was ranked the sixth most peaceful country in the world in the latest Global Peace Index. I do not know and do not want to find out, what our ranking would have been if we had not put in the necessary investments to build a strong SAF. I think that experiment would be too costly. Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked to give us details on the defence spending this year and subsequent years. Let me do that.”
“So, I have reversed my assessment for today's generation in Singapore and elsewhere. The risk of regional and even global conflict, even in the next decade, has become non-zero. I do not make this assessment lightly. What are the precise odds? It is not productive. We are not Nostradamus. It is imponderable and your guess is as good as mine. But the most important question, I think, is what some Members here have said – Vikram Nair, Alex Yam and others. What can Singapore, as a small country, and Singaporeans, do realistically to prepare ourselves as best as we can for disruptions and unintended consequences? Because there will be disruptions and intended consequences – that we can be sure. How we meet it, we are not sure. 7.30 pm I remember US Defense Secretary Gates; I quote him often for this quote. He was addressing West Point Military Academy graduates. And he told the West Point graduates that for the last decade, the US Department of Defense's record for predicting where they would be within a year of the conflict, was perfect. They never got it right. One year, with all its machinery of intelligence collection and prediction, the US Administration never got it right. So, we cannot pretend to know what will come and yet, we have to prepare. So, how do we prepare Singapore for this uncertain future? First, I think, we should recognise that Singaporeans have more to protect and with more resources to do so, compared to the PG and MG. Some Singaporeans may remember the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq in 1990. Among the justifications for the invasion, Iraq accused Kuwait of stealing oil – there was a particular field, it is called Al-Rumaylah oil field, which straddles both states, across the borders.”
“And if so, what punitive measures or restrictions might be taken against that country? In this inter-connected world, will borders erected for national security regress the world to alliances and trade blocs as it did pre-World Wars I and II, and the Cold War? We are seeing this before our very eyes. That is the privilege of this generation. We are seeing it play out: all the world's a stage. It will take one, two decades for these various scenarios to come to fruition, whatever the outcomes. Two weeks ago, I was at the Munich Security Conference, the 60th. They titled this 60th Munich Security Conference as "Lose-Lose?" because everywhere they turned, and they analysed all the situations, every scenario they had talked about, both sides lose, and the world loses. This was my 12th Munich Security Conference. In 2014, I attended the 50th Munich Security Conference. There was a special session organised. I will never forget it. On stage was Henry Kissinger, Helmut Schmidt, former French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing. All three gentlemen have passed away since. It has been the 50th Munich Security Conference. Helmut Schmidt and Henry Kissinger had been present in the inaugural Munich Security Conference in 1963. It was such a special forum. It had been 50 years of peace. The mood was one of celebration. I remember President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing saying that Europe had eliminated the concept of war. It was just one decade ago. All those dreams have been decimated. I can assure this House that surprises and unintended consequences are in store, some linked, others completely out of the blue. When the ambient temperature of geopolitics rises, sparks and fires will arise from multiple sources.”
“Europe was and is a project for peace and about peace. But now we face a world where war is something that is in every corner, and these corners are close to our houses." In the Middle East, the signed Abraham Accords held out the future of accelerated peace and progress in that region. The zeitgeist following the Abraham Accords, not seen or thought possible for a long time, was to avoid conflict and find common cause so that that region could develop economically. This was a dictum following Deng Xiaoping: "to get rich is glorious", instead of war. And for this higher cause, even Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman reversed his position with the Houthis in Yemen, whom he had unleashed deadly strikes on earlier on. So, in this conflict, there is a reversal of roles. The US is striking the Houthis and the Saudis are saying: I want to make peace. That attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023 upended, delayed, if not decimated, these aspirations in the Middle East. Between the US and China, a trade war has already started. The plan on the US side is to conscribe it to limited areas, particularly high-end technology that have a bearing on national security. In theory, this seems possible. "Small yard, high fences" is the neat way that the US puts it. But in practice, it is much harder because in the name of national security, the yard could get bigger. Right now, a bill in the US Congress targets to exclude Chinese biopharma manufacturing because, I suppose, you could produce something, pharmaceuticals, that weakens your national security. Tomorrow, it may be electric vehicles. And of course, there is capital, the most fungible of all assets. If a country or company invests large sums in China, would it be seen as helping the potential adversary?”
“Many families like mine were poor at the start, but as Singapore prospered, so did we. It was the heyday for open trade and liberalisation, and when the Cold War ended in 1991, the global economy took off, lifting standards of living even higher today. So, Singapore's per capita gross domestic product (GDP) is the highest in Asia. When did we exceed Japan, the second highest? In 2007. With a strong dollar, overseas travel has become less expensive. I still remember as a boy when £1 was more than S$7. Fish-and-chips was expensive at that time. Prices in Japan were prohibitive. Now, hordes of Singaporeans go to Japan – not quite expensive. Sixty years of confrontation the PG lived through. The MG has lived through 30 years of relative peace. And we have assumed that this is the norm. Which is the norm – what the PG went through, or what the MG went through? If you had asked me even five years ago, I would have said that the current generation – they are lumped together, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z and other alphabets – would be just as lucky as the MG. Because despite Brexit, the European Union (EU) held – if you remember, the EU was formed in 1993. During that time, there was a rising economic co-dependency with Russia, even in energy supplies. Before the Ukraine invasion, Russia supplied 55% of gas consumed in Germany. You do not buy gas in that proportion, if you did not believe in peace and lasting peace. Russia's invasion of Ukraine dealt a death blow to Europe's integration for a generation at least. Worse still, seeds of future discord and conflict have been sown. As the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell said at the Shangri-La Dialogue held here last year, "This war is changing the role of Europe.”
“Mr Chairman, Mr Vikram Nair began his cut by asserting that our world is a much more dangerous world. Subsequent Members of Parliament (MPs) gave their spiels on the events around us. I do not think anyone in this House or out of it needs to be convinced that indeed the world has become a more dangerous place. Just last week was 24 February, another day in infamy. We are now in the third year of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. As many of the Members rightly pointed out, the Israel-Hamas conflict risks a contagion effect over the Middle East and there is a de facto trade war between the US and China. We are all concerned that the US and China can clash over Taiwan. If that happens, that will be a very bleak Asia for a very long time. When was this region beset with such trouble? If you remember your Shakespeare: "double, double toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble". The last time the region experienced this kind of turmoil and potential danger was probably in the 1980s during the Sino-Viet Conflicts that lasted from 1979 to 1991. The Singapore's Pioneer Generation (PG) lived through those tumultuous, perilous times, not only through that period, but for 60 years. The Japanese Occupation in the 1940s, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Konfrontasi. 60 years. Mr Lee Kuan Yew recounted that he had to sing four national anthems because of the political upheavals that lasted 60 years. Those experiences hardened the PG that were born in the 1920s and 1930s. And the first order of the day when we gained Independence was to form the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). It was a visceral reaction. My generation and for some of us in this House, were born in the 1950s and 1960s, the Merdeka Generation (MG). We lucked out.”
“The Physical Employment Standard (PES) status of a Full-time National Serviceman (NSF) with psychological conditions is determined by healthcare professionals after considering the individual's mental health concerns, treatment plan and his suitability to serve in his assigned vocation. Safety of the individual and of those around him while he serves his duties within the Singapore Armed Forces is an important consideration. Their assessment will include input from the individual's treating psychiatrist, if any. The time required for observation and review varies according to each NSF and his condition. On average, the PES review process would take approximately six weeks to complete but more complex cases would take longer. If a change to his PES status requires reassignment to another vocation, the NSF will be deployed to his new vocation and unit, typically in about two weeks.”
“Exit Permits (EPs) are required to maintain the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Home Team's operational readiness at all times. Pre-enlistees and full-time national servicemen (NSFs) who are disrupted from full-time National Service (NS) must apply for an EP if they intend to remain overseas for a period of three months or longer. NSmen need only apply for an EP if remaining overseas for 12 months or longer. About 85% of the EPs issued between 2018 and 2023 were processed and issued on the same day. Of the remaining 15% of applications, the median time taken for approval is around seven days. A longer time is taken when applicants are required to provide additional documentation, resolve outstanding NS-related offences or are scheduled for upcoming NS activities. Applicants can accelerate the process by providing additional documents promptly and resolving any outstanding NS-related offences.”
“The decision to relocate the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) capabilities and activities at Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) elsewhere was taken with the paramount consideration that it would not weaken Singapore's ability to defend itself. Thus, Tengah and Changi Air Bases were expanded to make up for the closure of PLAB. After the relocation of PLAB, the RSAF estimates a 15% to 20% increase in the frequency of flights at Tengah Air Base. To minimise the impact of aircraft noise on residents in the vicinity of our airbases, the RSAF has in place several noise abatement measures. These include conducting about 50% of RSAF flying training requirements overseas, shifting some of the local flying requirements to simulators, planning for local flying routes away from residential areas where possible and adjusting flying training tempo and hours during school examinations period. The Ministry of Defence and the RSAF have also worked with Government agencies, such as the Housing and Development Board, and the National Environment Agency, on noise mitigating measures for new infrastructure developments in the vicinity of air bases, such as Tengah New Town. Examples of measures adopted for public housing include thicker window glass for better sound insulation when windows are closed, façade designs with overhangs or canopies to deflect and abate noise transmission and orientating buildings away from the direct line of aircraft flight paths.”
“Local flying training is critical to keep our pilots proficient and to maintain the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s operational readiness to safeguard Singapore's skies. When Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) is decommissioned, flights from the existing PLAB will be shifted to the expanded Tengah and Changi Air Bases and some will be moved overseas. The increase in frequency of flights from Tengah Air Base will depend on the RSAF's operations and training needs. To minimise the impact of aircraft noise on residents in the vicinity of our air bases, the RSAF has in place several noise abatement measures. These include, conducting about 50% of RSAF flying training requirements overseas, shifting some of the local flying requirements to simulators, planning for local flying routes away from residential areas where possible and adjusting flying training tempo and hours during school examinations period. The Ministry of Defence and the RSAF have also worked with Government agencies, such as the Housing and Development Board and the National Environment Agency, on noise mitigating measures for new infrastructure developments in the vicinity of air bases, such as Tengah New Town. Examples of measures adopted for public housing include, thicker window glass for better sound insulation when windows are closed, façade designs with overhangs or canopies to deflect and abate noise transmission and orientating buildings away from the direct line of aircraft flight paths.”
“The Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF)'s deployment of a medical team aboard the French Armed Forces' (FAF) FS Dixmude, was part of Singapore's continued efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians. The SAF deployed a two-man medical team comprising Lieutenant-Colonel (Dr) Nazirul Hannan Abdul Aziz and Military Expert 3 Jimmy Woo Ying Ming, who boarded the FS Dixmude on 18 January 2024. Working together with the FAF and other international partners, they provided medical aid and post-operative nursing care to civilian casualties from Gaza, including oncological and trauma patients with injuries, ranging from amputated limbs, fractures and infections. Our medical team ended their deployment on 27 January 2024, with the departure of the FS Dixmude from Egypt. The SAF will continue to monitor the situation in the region closely and assess how we can contribute further in humanitarian assistance to Gaza.”
“The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) participates in multinational operations, which are consistent with international law and when aligned with our national interests. The United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2722 – that was adopted on 10 January 2024 – demanded that the Houthis in Yemen immediately cease all attacks on merchant and commercial vessels, which impede global commerce, undermine navigational rights and freedoms as well as threaten regional peace and security. Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG) is a multinational coalition to protect shipping vessels in the Red Sea against security threats. It is in Singapore's interest to be part of such international efforts to ensure that key Sea Lines of Communication, like the Red Sea, remain open and safe for the free flow of trade. Recently, the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) have launched several strikes on Houthi sites in Yemen – under a separate operation the US Central Command has called Operation Poseidon Archer. The Combined Task Force 153 and OPG are not linked to the US and UK strikes. Similarly, the SAF was not involved in the US and UK strikes. We urge the Houthis to stop their unlawful attacks in the Red Sea as demanded in UNSCR 2722 to avoid an escalation of the conflict.”
“Citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) who are liable for National Service (NS) must fulfil their duties or be subject to penalties if they do not do so. Over the past decade, no PR who evaded his NS duties by losing his PR status after enjoying significant benefits has been granted the right to work or live in Singapore thereafter.”
“Thank you, Mr Speaker. I do not want to pre-empt the situation, it is a complex situation. I would just make two general points and then perhaps a specific one. As I took pains to elaborate, our contribution to CTF 153 has been consistent with the principles that we have articulated. In other words, it is focused primarily on keeping key sea lines of communication free, which is in our interest because if the same thing happens, as it did in the Straits of Malacca, we would want the international community for assistance as well, if that was necessary. Nonetheless, we recognise and we have articulated that the littoral states have the primary responsibility and there must be sufficient efforts there. That is why we encourage the littoral states and other countries, to work towards a diplomatic solution so that the Red Sea problem can be mitigated. If the problem gets worse, we will assess it. Apart from that, we are also watching, as I said, the humanitarian situation unfolding and where we can contribute and, we think, meaningfully, we will do so.”
“The launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian aims to restore international confidence and the free flow of maritime shipping through the area. Singapore will participate in Operation Prosperity Guardian and contribute to CTF 153's efforts. The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) had similarly participated in the Combined Task Force 151. That was a counter piracy effort in the Gulf of Aden, where we deployed assets for quite a long time from 2009 to 2023. For CTF 153 and the current Operation Prosperity Guardian, the SAF will deploy a team of planners, to work with international partners at their headquarters to formulate plans; a team from the Republic Singapore Navy's (RSN's) Information Fusion Centre to support information-sharing and engagement outreach with the commercial shipping community; and a Senior National Representative to the Combined Maritime Forces in Bahrain. Separately, Singapore and the SAF, together with our international partners, have continued to monitor developments in the region, including the ongoing need for humanitarian assistance. Some of you will remember that the SAF has been supporting Singapore's humanitarian contributions to Gaza and we were doing this through our Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Coordination Centre's information, networks and resources. Most recently, the SAF delivered relief supplies on 30 November last year to the Egyptian Red Crescent. Further to this effort, the French Armed Forces has invited the SAF to provide two medical personnel to serve on FS Dixmude, now docked at the El-Arish port in Egypt. This is a reconfigured hospital ship and has been treating casualties from Gaza. The SAF has accepted the offer and plans are underway to deploy this medical team to aid civilian casualties there.”
“Nonetheless, it is in our interest for Singapore to join cause with the international community to protect and ensure that key SLOCs around the world remain open, especially if threatened by unlawful acts by non-state actors or terrorist groups. We have previously articulated key principles that govern the Straits of Malacca and Singapore when this key SLOC was threatened by piracy and sea robbery. I think some Members would remember those incidents, that resulted in insurance premiums for ships that traverse the Straits of Malacca and Singapore to increase manyfold. These principles were articulated in the 2005 Shangri-La Dialogue. There are three. First, the primary responsibility of maritime security lies with the littoral states. Second, the international community and agencies, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), have a role to play. Third, all measures have to be in accordance with international law and respect the sovereignty of the littoral states. As Mr Desmond Choo mentioned, the United States has announced the launch of the multinational Operation Prosperity Guardian to ensure maritime security in the Red Sea. This operation aligns with the key principles that I have just articulated. In this regard, Singapore hopes that the littoral states that surround the Red Sea step up efforts to end the unlawful Houthi attacks. The international community of user states also has a role to play. In particular, there is the 39-nation Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), of which Singapore has been a member since 2009. The CMF's Combined Task Force (CTF) 153: Red Sea Maritime Security has been tasked to keep the Red Sea SLOC open and safe.”
“Mr Speaker, the Red Sea, which connects the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, is the shortest sea route linking Asia and Europe. It is a major Sea Line of Communications (SLOC) with approximately 12% of global trade by volume and 30% of global container traffic. As of 7 January 2024, the Yemen-based Houthi forces have unlawfully attacked 15 merchant ships in the Red Sea through firing of missiles, drones and hijack attempts. There have been 20 such attacks, including one on a Singapore-flagged vessel MAERSK Hangzhou. As a result, all five of the world's largest global shipping companies, namely the Mediterranean Shipping Company, Maersk, CMA CGM, COSCO, Hapag-Lloyd and other shipping lines, had earlier announced that they would suspend transits through the Red Sea. Prior to the attacks, around 60 ships passed through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea daily, but the number has dropped by about a third in recent weeks. Singapore-registered ships have also been affected, with the number of daily transits through the Red Sea now approximately halved. The disruption of the Red Sea SLOC will have an impact on global supply chains. However, based on the current situation, the immediate impact on Singapore is expected to be limited, as the majority of our critical supplies, such as food and pharmaceuticals, are delivered via air freight or do not pass through the Red Sea. Our local manufacturers also seem to have sufficient spare inventory to hedge against supply disruptions, though they are worried about increases in business costs.”
“There are currently no aircraft or aircraft engine manufacturers that have certified or successfully incorporated the use of fin-lined nozzles into their engine design. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will continue to monitor the development of this and other technologies and evidence of their ability to also meet operational requirements in a cost-effective way.”
“Annually, from 2018 to 2022, about 580 full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) were disrupted for university studies: 520 pursued university locally, while 60 pursued their studies overseas. The bulk of disruptions, about 70%, were NSFs who had enlisted later than their classmates. The standing policy is to allow each cohort to start their university studies in the same year and thus these later enlistees were disrupted to achieve this outcome; 27% are NSFs who were disrupted to study medicine so that they can serve their National Service (NS) as SAF Medical Officers. Public Service Commission scholars make up the remaining 3%, or an average of 19 NSFs. This follows a long-standing practice since 1967 to attract top talent into the public sector. All NSFs are required to complete the remainder of their full-time NS after the disruption period.”
“Investments from the SAVER-Premium Fund are guided by its Board of Trustees and appointees, which include professionals from the finance sector. The Board of Trustees has entrusted cash and cash equivalents1 to be managed by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF)’s in-house SAVER-Premium Fund Department, and for equities and bonds by external fund managers. The current and target asset allocations are shown in Table 1 and Table 2 below respectively.”
“On 9 August 2023, a Malaysia-registered civilian helicopter, callsign: 9MCGA flew from Senai Airport in Johor and headed towards Pengerang. During its flight, it transited Changi Control Zone and subsequently entered Singapore Territorial Airspace without prior notification. Singapore Air Traffic Control (SIN ATC) did not receive any flight plan. As the helicopter had entered Singapore Territorial Airspace at 1237 hours unannounced, two RSAF F-16 fighters were scrambled, consistent with our Standard Operating Procedures for unidentified aircraft in our airspace which may pose potential threats. The helicopter pilot was instructed to keep clear of Singapore Territorial Airspace and to operate eastwards outside Singapore’s territorial airspace. The helicopter exited Singapore Territorial Airspace at 1303 hours. After ensuring that there were no further security threats, the RSAF F-16s subsequently stood down at 1405 hours. While there was no imminent impact of safety on civilian air traffic during the time that the helicopter was in the Changi Control Zone, the airspace around Changi airport had to be closed in responding to the unauthorised entry. As a result, 36 arriving flights into and eight departing flights from Changi Airport were delayed. Our assessment is that there was no malicious intent arising from this incident. The helicopter had been contracted to take photographs of a Malaysian-registered oil rig that was being transported from Pasir Gudang to Miri, Sarawak, when it mistakenly entered Singapore’s airspace without authorisation.”
“The SAVER-Premium Fund is a superannuation fund that aims to generate sustainable long-term returns that exceed the rate of inflation. The annualised returns for the last five years, 10 years and since inception of the three Fund Plans are shown in Table 1. Over those periods, all the three Fund Plans delivered annualised returns that were above the long-term average core inflation of 1.6%1.”
“The departure flight path of our Air Force's aircraft from Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) has been carefully designed, with population safety and airspace constraints being the key considerations. For safety reason, the aircraft take off from PLAB towards the North, as the area to the immediate North of PLAB is much less populated compared to that to the immediate South. Soon after taking off, the aircraft have to bank a sharp left in order to avoid flying into foreign airspace to the North and affecting Changi Airport's air traffic to the East. The turn continues towards the South to avoid Seletar Airport in the West. Any alternative departure flight path from PLAB would incur higher population safety risk at take-off or enter the airspace of our neighbour or around our airports.”
“Military exercises between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) are in accordance with the enhanced Agreement on Defence Exchanges and Security Cooperation (ADESC) signed between Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and then-Chinese State Councilor and Minister for National Defense General Wei Fenghe in 2019. These agreements which we have with many other countries reflect our approach in defence diplomacy, which is to build a network of good defence ties. The recently concluded naval exercise – Exercise Maritime Cooperation – is one of two bilateral exercises that the SAF conducts with the PLA. An exercise between our two armies – Exercise Cooperation – is also scheduled to take place this year. This year’s exercises mark a resumption following a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the enhanced ADESC, our defence establishments and militaries also agreed to engage in regular dialogues, academic exchanges and cross-attendance in each other’s multilateral conferences.”
“Less than 1% of the Republic of Singapore Air Force's flights, helicopters and planes, take place from 10.00 pm to 8.00 am over Singapore. Some of these flights are in response to emergencies such as those activated for search and rescue operations or to deal with aerial threats. One recent example took place last October when two F-16s responded to a bomb threat onboard a Singapore Airlines flight, SQ33. Our fighter jets scrambled in darkness to escort SQ33 safely back to land at Changi Airport at 6.00 am.”
“Building on the 2023 Total Defence Community Exercise, we will partner more communities to enhance individual and collective emergency preparedness and resilience in the face of potential crises. We will encourage more ground-up initiatives from Singaporeans to put Total Defence into action. Our defence and military museums are being revamped, and a new NS Gallery will open by 2027 to bring our defence story to life for Singaporeans. By working together and remaining committed to the defence of our nation, we will continue to safeguard our security, sovereignty and way of life.”
“We will maximise the contributions of our national servicemen by reviewing our medical classification system, expanding work-learn schemes for our Full-Time National Servicemen, and redesigning vocational roles. Operationally Ready National Servicemen will also see expanded opportunities to apply their civilian expertise in operational contexts. We will also improve the NS experience, by reviewing policies and procedures and deploying technology to make NS processes and services more efficient and convenient, so that national servicemen can focus on training to remain operationally ready. We will also continue to enhance support and recognition for our national servicemen. As a small nation state, we must uphold a global order and regional security architecture that is based on openness, inclusivity, and adherence to international law and norms. We will build trust, facilitate constructive dialogue, and encourage practical cooperation through multilateral platforms including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus, Shangri-La Dialogue, and Singapore Defence Technology Summit. We have launched the ADMM Cybersecurity and Information Centre of Excellence to promote research and information sharing on emerging cybersecurity and information threats. Bilaterally, we will continue to strengthen defence relations with our neighbours, Malaysia and Indonesia. We will also expand cooperation with partners such as Australia, China, India, and the United States, through high-level dialogue, military-to-military exchanges, and joint training. Every Singaporean has a part to play in keeping our home peaceful, safe, and secure. We will pursue new ways to encourage Singaporeans to participate actively in Total Defence.”
“For more timely and accurate operational decision-making, the SAF will build up its digital capabilities and deploy data analytics and artificial intelligence in future command and control information systems. The DIS will develop a digital range to train our forces under realistic cyberattack scenarios and set up a Digital Ops-Tech Centre to enable our operational and defence technology workforces to collaborate on new digital solutions. Beyond utilising military technologies, we will expand our use of “dual-use” technologies and collaborate with a wider range of technology partners. We are also enhancing our training infrastructure to maintain the SAF’s edge. Phase 1 of SAFTI City will be operationalised from 2024 to support training in complex urban environments. By the end of this year, the SAF’s new Instrumented Battle Circuits will provide more realistic training under simulated artillery bombardment and air strikes, allowing our soldiers to hone operational instincts and tactical fundamentals. Our investments in overseas facilities such as the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Australia will allow the SAF to conduct large-scale exercises that cannot be replicated locally. Even as it enhances training effectiveness, the SAF will not compromise on the safety of our servicemen. The SAF’s adoption of an enterprise Safety Information System will enable important safety reminders and lessons to reach its service personnel quickly. Through the newly launched Heat Resilience and Performance Centre, we will conduct research to better prevent heat injury and boost our soldiers’ resilience against heat stress amid rising global temperatures. NS is the bedrock of Singapore’s defence. We will continue to strengthen the NS system.”
“A strong defence safeguards Singapore’s sovereignty and ensures peace and security for Singaporeans’ pursuit of economic and social progress. The geopolitical and security landscape Singapore faces is becoming more volatile and complex. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and rising contestation between the United States and China have reduced trust among countries. Divisions are rising in different spheres, while the multilateral rules-based order that has underpinned cross-border cooperation and conflict resolution is unravelling. Access to a growing range of sophisticated technologies has enabled malicious actors to pose significant security threats, including terrorist acts, hostile information campaigns, and cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. Amidst these turbulent times, steady and long-term investment in a strong defence is critical. The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and SAF are transforming to deter and defend against emerging and evolving threats in multiple domains, across the spectrum from peace to war. New and more advanced aerial, maritime, and land platforms will be introduced. These include a new fleet of twelve F-35B Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and four Invincible-class submarines by the early 2030s, as well as next-generation Howitzers and Armoured Tracked Carriers. The newly formed Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) will expand the SAF’s digital capabilities and play a critical role in Singapore’s national defence against cyber and information threats. Technology remains a key force multiplier for the SAF. We will employ more unmanned platforms to extend the reach and survivability of our forces.”
“RSAF has completed a trial on the use of blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel for its F-16s. A mixture of blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel and conventional jet propellant fuel resulted in carbon emission reduction of approximately 27%. While no deterioration in engine performance and no fuel-related engine defect were detected, the cost of the blended fuel was three times that of conventional Jet Propellant-8 fuel. Given the significant escalation in operating cost, RSAF will not be adopting the use of the blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel for its aircrafts for now. It will monitor market developments and review the case again if prices fall to levels where its requirements can be met in a cost-effective manner.”
“" The mayor in Arizona, in Luke Air Force Base, telling his residents, that this is the sound of freedom. But whose freedom? Not US freedom, but Singapore's freedom. They are willing to invest in our freedom. So, explain to your residents. Yes, we will do as much as we can overseas, but there is a limit and we must never be so dependent on others that if we have another pandemic, we find that we cannot train and we are operationally less ready. Mr Chairman, the defence of Singapore is a long-term commitment. The success of it is not for the faint-hearted and can only be achieved if we as one people have that staying power, never flagging in spirit or effort; never lulled or deceived that Singapore does not need a strong SAF because the world is safe or that others will protect us. We have come far as a multiracial and multi-religious nation to build an SAF that will fight with one heart and aim – to protect our Singapore. We will go even further as long as we commit each year to stay the course. I want to thank Mr Chairman and Members for this indulgence for staying on a Friday night. Thank you very much. [Applause.]”
“We have also invested large sums into overseas training facilities. I visited our soldiers in Australia last year in the Shoalwater Bay, and some of the facilities like the Urban Operations Live Firing Facility and the Combined Arms Air-Land Range will be ready for use from next year. This will allow our NSmen and NSFs to participate in Brigade, even Division-level exercises. We have also increased the use of advanced training simulators, up to 20% additional live training will be replaced by them. You can combine simulators now for different platforms. But even with all this, we will have to conduct some training locally. Because if COVID-19 taught us something, it is that our overseas training facilities can be terminated instantly and we do not want to be dependent. I know that Members of Parliament, especially living in the housing estates do get feedback and complaints from residents about noise. And we try to mitigate the impact of this noise. The Air Force reduces flying tempo during critical exam periods, but there is a limit to that. Help explain to your residents that just like NS, this local SAF training is the price we pay to ensure a credible force to protect our freedom and independence. I visited Luke Air Force Base, where our F-16 squadrons were training. We do to those communities as we do here, we have open house, we treat them to makan, and I was talking to the mayor. I said to the mayor, "Please tell your residents that we appreciate them tolerating all that noise." It is not as if Luke Air Force Base does not have housing estates. They have, just like us. And we fly together with the US planes. And he says, "Don't worry, I tell them this is the sound of freedom.”
“The completed training circuits will include battlefield effects simulators that can replicate smoke and blast effects and interactive targets that can fire back – a far cry from our days when it is "bang, bang, bang, bang, I shoot you, you shoot me". Who confirms? We just assume that both did not get shot or both got shot. This one, cannot "play play", no bluffing, because you wear electronic sensors. If you are dead, you are dead. If your platform is hit, that is it. Phase 1 will be completed next year and will consist of over 60 new buildings – a mix of high-rise interconnected buildings, low-rise residences, a bus interchange and even an underground MRT station. Buildings and roads can be configured so that the soldiers can encounter a different layout each time they train at SAFTI City, so that they can train in a complex urban environment. Surrounding SAFTI City, we will build three new Instrumented Battle Circuits (iBACs). The first – Murai Urban Battle Circuit – will be ready by this year, and the other two will be ready by early 2024. These circuits will simulate energy fires such as artillery bombardment and air strikes, and they will help our soldiers hone their operational instincts and tactical fundamentals. 8.15 pm When these iBACs start, up to 22,000 active and NS soldiers will use them every year. Realistic, efficient training. This will excite you. The new training facilities will have sensors and video cameras to capture data and provide instant replays. So, you say you shot him, he says he shot you. Video replay. Like football matches. Let us see what happened. Professional sports teams know the value of this. Soldiers and units will receive real-time feedback on their performance and this will help them stay alive, or remain alive.”
“Their job is to ignore vested interests in the present SAF but instead to be insurgents, to render obsolete if they can current platforms, forces and even organisations by producing improved ways for Singapore to defend itself in the future. They do not have that many friends because they are trying to steal somebody's lunch literally. And if they can show they can do that, then they have succeeded. Our future literally depends on them performing their tasks well. As an example, FSTD spearheaded the research and investments in unmanned platforms and this was a decade ago – even before what we talked about today. Today, autonomous technologies will be built into the Navy's new Multi-Role Combat Vessels to function as a "mothership", with unmanned platforms that can work together across a range of missions. This was a decade ago because that is how long it takes to conceptualise and build. So, while older RSN ships typically operate one unmanned system, these vessels are able to operate multiple systems simultaneously. The Navy will shift towards a future force structure where about half of its vessels will be unmanned. Fifty percent of our future Navy will be unmanned. There is one more last vital ingredient for the SAF – our people. We can have the best platforms and systems in the world, but as the Ukrainian spirit showed, it is the spirit and the know-how that will determine if the SAF can defend Singapore and its interests successfully. There is an infographic on how we are training. [Please refer to Annex 9.] In order to have well-trained soldiers, we have to invest and we have invested heavily in our training infrastructure. SAFTI City – we have announced it in 2017 – is making good progress.”