Singapore Armed Forces Embrace AI for Safer Training

In a bold move towards innovation, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the safety of its military training. According to outgoing Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, AI can play a crucial role in identifying potential risks during real-time exercises, ensuring the safety of soldiers as they perform their duties.

Harnessing Data for Enhanced Safety

Ng Eng Hen highlighted the unique structure of SAF's training, which generates vast amounts of data from repeated drills under consistent conditions. This data collection allows for the identification of patterns and, ultimately, the development of AI models that can detect risk factors. "The more we train, the more data we gather, creating a valuable resource for machine learning that can alert us to unsafe practices," he explained during an interview held on May 13, just before his retirement from politics.

A New Era of Military Oversight

The SAF's journey towards enhanced safety took a significant turn in 2019 when the Inspector-General's Office (IGO) was established to bolster safety protocols and accountability within the military. This move was largely influenced by past training tragedies, such as the unfortunate death of national serviceman Aloysius Pang, which spurred a thorough examination of safety practices within the force.

Striving for Zero Training Deaths

Under Ng's leadership, the SAF has made drastic strides in safety culture. "We aim for zero deaths—a lofty goal, but one that elevates safety to the same level of importance as operational performance," he remarked. Commanding officers are now held accountable for safety lapses, instilling a culture of vigilance within the ranks.

Building on Historical Strengths

Ng pointed out that leveraging technology is not a new concept for Singapore; it dates back to the vision of the nation’s first defence minister, Dr. Goh Keng Swee. With limited manpower, Singapore recognized the need to incorporate technology early on, leading to the foundation of key organizations like the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and ST Engineering.

A Unique Military Technology Initiative

Notably, the SAF has introduced "ops-tech" teams, which combine operational units with defence engineers to co-develop new solutions from the onset. This collaborative approach allows for innovations that meet real battlefield needs, accelerating development while ensuring practicality.

A Digital Defense Frontier

In 2022, the establishment of the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) marked another milestone as the SAF expands its focus on protecting Singapore’s cyber and information landscape. As technology becomes an essential force multiplier for the SAF, Ng emphasizes that human spirit and commitment remain irreplaceable elements of national defense.

The Unbreakable Spirit of Defense

Ng concluded with a powerful reminder: "No amount of advanced equipment can replace the fighting spirit. If we don't believe in defending Singapore, all the technology in the world won't save us." This perspective highlights that while the SAF evolves with AI and other technologies, the core values and dedication of its defenders will always be paramount.