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.