The transformation of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) into a new-generation defence force by 2040 remains on track despite the pandemic, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said yesterday.
The delivery of new hardware such as helicopters and fighter jets is also still on schedule, along with the launch of new facilities and initiatives to sharpen the SAF s ability to meet emerging threats, Dr Ng said during the debate on the budget of the Ministry of Defence (Mindef).
Mindef s annual budget will climb 12.7 per cent to $15.36 billion, compared with the $13.63 billion it spent in the last financial year.
This is the first year-on-year double-digit growth since 1998, noted Dr Ng. The reason for this is that Mindef spent about $1.5 billion less than planned last year - about 10 per cent of its budget - due to the delay of some key projects.
SINGAPORE - Despite the pandemic, the transformation of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) into a new-generation defence force by 2040 remains on track, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said on Monday (March 1).
The delivery of new hardware such as helicopters and fighter jets is also still on schedule, along with the launch of new facilities and initiatives to sharpen the SAF s ability to meet emerging threats, Dr Ng said during the debate on the budget of the Ministry of Defence (Mindef).
Mindef s annual budget will climb 12.7 per cent to $15.36 billion, compared to the $13.63 billion it spent in the last financial year. This is the first year-on-year double digit growth since 1998, noted Dr Ng.
Singapore s navy tests a new layer of surveillance: unmanned vessels airforcetimes.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from airforcetimes.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Navy could deploy unmanned maritime security ships that can self-navigate, avoid obstacles by end-2021 Toggle share menu
Advertisement
Navy could deploy unmanned maritime security ships that can self-navigate, avoid obstacles by end-2021
The Navy demonstrated how its new maritime security unmanned surface vessel (USV) operated autonomously in the waters off Changi Naval Base. (Photo: Marcus Mark Ramos)
01 Mar 2021 02:50PM) Share this content
Bookmark
SINGAPORE: The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) could deploy four unmanned surface vessels (USV) for maritime security by the end of this year, depending on the progress of final sea trials.
Once operational, the USVs will conduct round-the-clock patrols, investigate, as well as intercept suspicious vessels in Singapore waters. They are equipped with long-range loudhailers, strobe and search lights, as well as a 12.7mm gun.
Incidents Against Ships In The Eastbound Lane Of Singapore Strait
The incidents of armed robbery against ships continued to occur to ships while underway in the Singapore Strait. During 25 –29 Jan 21, three incidents were reported on board ships while underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the Singapore Strait. The three incidents occurred in close proximity to each other and in particular, two incidents occurred within an interval of four hours. In all three incidents, the perpetrators were sighted in the engine room. However, nothing was reported stolen and the crew was safe with no confrontation with the perpetrators.