SINGAPORE – The Singapore Ministry of Defence (Mindef) recently announced ambitious plans to enhance the capabilities of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), including the procurement of two new submarines and updated infantry fighting vehicles over the coming years. While this might appear to be a routine annual refresh, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen emphasized that these developments signal a significant shift towards creating a next-generation defense force by 2040.

In his budget speech on March 3, Dr. Ng articulated the SAF's proactive approach in analyzing lessons from global conflicts. The recent war in Ukraine and issues like the Red Sea shipping crisis have offered critical insights into modern warfare's complexities. The evolving landscape, marked by uncertainties, demands resilience and adaptability in strategy.

"How do we prepare Singapore and our people for a disruptive future?" Dr. Ng pondered, stressing the necessity of understanding the changing global order. He cited the Ukraine conflict as a valuable case study, especially regarding the effectiveness of drones and unmanned systems, which have transformed the battlefield dynamics in unexpected ways.

Adapting to Unmanned Warfare

In his address, Dr. Ng spotlighted the financial asymmetry in modern drones' deployment. An aggressor utilizing a swarm of inexpensive drones can inflict significant costs on defenders, who often have to spend over 15 times as much to counteract such attacks, as observed in recent conflicts. For instance, the US Navy’s expenditure of nearly $1 billion in missile defenses over a short span underscores the financial strain involved in conventional defense against low-cost assaults.

To tackle the growing drone threat, the SAF is committed to advancing its Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) capabilities. This includes a range of sensors, electronic jammers, and direct weapon solutions to deal with aerial threats. The intent is to integrate these systems within Singapore's broader Island Air Defence System, enhancing the nation’s defensive posture.

Emphasizing offensive capabilities, the SAF is also developing its own drone warfare tactics, with both the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the army establishing centers to pioneer the use of drones across various combat units. Such initiatives aim to empower lower-level units with access to drones, following successful models seen in Ukraine, where front-line brigades utilized small, commercially available drones for reconnaissance, precision strikes, and even aerial dogfights.

Advancements on the Ground

One of the highlights of this modernization effort is the introduction of the Titan infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), equipped with counter-drone capabilities. The Titan, designed to maneuver effectively while providing substantial firepower, ensures that soldiers can advance into combat zones while being defended against aerial threats.

With a new 30mm cannon and enhanced armor protection, the Titan will fit between current lighter and heavier armored vehicles, allowing the SAF to balance speed and firepower – critical capabilities for modern warfare environments.

Strengthening Naval Power

On the naval front, the RSN's acquisition of two new submarines will augment its existing fleet of Invincible-class submarines. This will help the Republic of Singapore Navy ensure operational readiness through the "rule of three": balancing maintenance, deployment, and preparedness.

With the strategic significance of Singapore’s maritime routes—especially the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea—the reinforcement of submarine capabilities is crucial for maintaining a deterrent against potential threats in the region.

Preparing for Future Conflicts

Reflecting on the lessons learned from global conflicts, Dr. Ng articulated the importance of not merely arming to “fight the last war.” This cautionary principle serves as a reminder for militaries worldwide, particularly as geopolitical tensions rise and new warfare technologies emerge.

Singapore's commitment to its defense spending is clear; leaders acknowledge that investing in a robust military deters aggression and fosters respect among global powers.

As the SAF embarks on this transformative journey, it will strive to ensure that it is prepared for the complexities of future conflicts while learning from the evolving landscape of warfare. Through its forward-looking strategies, Singapore is indeed setting the stage for a resilient and capable defense force by 2040.