News on Singapore Military

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone of you know of Singapore military much? I have a pretty good idea of the ground forces of Singapore (serve in one before), however, what is the current status of Singapore Air Force? Is Singapore still keen in getting the F-15? There seemed to have no news at all.

What about our air defence? Obsolete or capable?

Thanks.

Well, I am no news-article-digger, but I am guessing that the AV-81 Terrex wasn't in service when you served? Don't think I have seen any thoughts on this 8x8, but it's new and the specs look impressive to me.




Looks impressive w/ its mobility and space but still is able to swim. My question is: At 24 tons, is it wearing basic 7.62mm-armour or souped for 30mm roudns on the front?

sumdud said:

Well, I am no news-article-digger, but I am guessing that the AV-81 Terrex wasn't in service when you served? Don't think I have seen any thoughts on this 8x8, but it's new and the specs look impressive to me.

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Looks impressive w/ its mobility and space but still is able to swim. My question is: At 24 tons, is it wearing basic 7.62mm-armour or souped for 30mm roudns on the front?

Click to expand...

Nope. I was out of the Army in early 2000. Never even heard of this vehicle. However I believe that this vehicle is only an APC and not really a IFV.

Gotta wait to see more spec.

Some news from Janes to spice up this topic.......

Singapore plans multiple rocket launcher, IFV acquisitions
Robert Karniol JDW Asia-Pacific Bureau Chief
Bangkok

Key Points
Singapore is seeking to acquire its first multiple rocket system and first wheeled IFV


The Singapore Army is enhancing its firepower and mobility capabilities with the planned acquisition of its first multiple rocket launcher (MRL) and its first wheeled infantry fighting vehicle (IFV).

The MRL requirement is for 18 systems, with the request for proposals currently in progress. First deliveries are expected in about 18 months.

Contenders for the contract remain unclear, but sources told Jane's that talks on the programme are under way with the US. This suggests that potential candidates include the 227 mm Multiple Launch Rocket System and the High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System, both from Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

The IFV programme is aimed to equip three battalions, with initial deliveries expected around the end of 2008. The locally developed Singapore Technologies (ST) Kinetics 8 x 8 Terrex AV81 IFV is among several platforms under consideration; other options remain unknown.

The army most recently upgraded its artillery with the introduction of ST Kinetics' Pegasus 155 mm/39 calibre Singapore Lightweight Howitzer, unveiled in late 2005. This supplemented the ST Kinetics Primus 155 mm/39 calibre self-propelled artillery system that was revealed two years earlier.

The wheeled IFV would complement two tracked platforms in current service: the ST Kinetics Bionix IFV, operationally deployed since 1999; and the older Giat Industries AMX-10P infantry combat vehicle.

The Singapore Army will further bolster its capabilities with deliveries, due to start in mid-2008, of 66 ex-German Armed Forces Krauss-Maffei Wegmann Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks, together with an additional 30 platforms earmarked as spares. These are intended to replace AMX-13 light tanks.

The planned acquisitions are linked to a broader force modernisation programme currently in progress and dubbed the third-generation Singapore Armed Forces

rhino123 said:

....... Is Singapore still keen in getting the F-15? There seemed to have no news at all.
.............
Thanks.

Click to expand...

No news ? It's been widely reported some time ago that SAF has ordered 12 F-15SG with 8 more on option. They should get them by 2009.

the RSAF won't be bring in the F15, they are expected to train at a US base together with F15 of other countries to try and learn as much trick as possible. currently the RSAF is abit more careful now with Malaysia having a couple of Su30 delivered but are not troubled by it. that is all i can legally say =)

i kinda feel the F15 deal was for the missiles(some which could en up on F16) and not just about the planes.

air defense are doing okay. the main piece is still the IHAWK. recent changes is mounting the russian made Igla to M113 APC, turning them into short range mobile SAM. the fighters are as usual, the 1st line of defense; i believe we outnumber them for now... =)

the Apache are fully operational, and are expected to take on slow flying threat, but it is more for screening airborne and landing force.

Don't know, but I think the Terrex's weight at 24 tonnes includes the highest level of armor: 30mm front/14.5 else or something along that line.

i believe the Terrex wasn't known much in the Army because it was an ST project, they were hoping to export it as during the development SAF has no requirement yet. this change after SAF consider wheel based APC, Terrex immediately join the competition of selection.

I 1st read about the Terrex on foreign defense magazine, it just screaming to be exported. =)

Singapore Armed Forces suspends physical training after two deaths in two days
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Channel News Asia


Quote:
SAF suspends physical training after two deaths in two days

SINGAPORE: In an unprecedented move, the Defence Ministry declared a three-day halt to all physical and endurance training activities in the army, navy and air force.

The 'time-out' from 12-14 June follows the death of two servicemen in training within two days.

20-year-old Officer Cadet (OCT) Clifton Lam Jia Hao, a pilot trainee with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), died on Wednesday, one-and-a-half hours after he collapsed while he was undergoing jungle orientation training in Brunei.

A day earlier, 20-year-old army recruit Andrew Cheah Wei Siong died after he fainted while taking part in a two-kilometre walk training activity on Pulau Tekong.

Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean said the suspension will allow the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to review and re-focus on training activities to ensure that proper procedures are in place before training resumes.

"While the SAF needs to carry out realistic training, this will be done without compromise to safety," added Mr Teo.

The minister also extended his condolences to the families of Mr Cheah and OCT Lam. "I am saddened by the loss of two young and precious sons of Singapore," Mr Teo said in a statement.