The Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) next-generation Aster 30 missile system that is designed to neutralise air threats at longer ranges has been conducting round-the-clock operations since August. The ground-based system has also been integrated into the RSAF's networked Island Air Defence System, which can now counter a range of threats from fighter jets to unmanned aerial vehicles to precision-guided munitions. Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said the air defence system's current capabilities marked a significant milestone since it was first developed about 15 years ago. The transformation is on a number of fronts, said Dr Ng, after witnessing an Aster 30 deployment drill at Lim Chu Kang Camp II yesterday.