A delegation from the Vietnamese Ministry of Defence Singapore

A high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese Ministry of Defense, led by General Nguyen Thanh Cung, Deputy Minister of Defence, made a working visit from 24 to 27 January in Singapore.

The Vietnamese delegation worked with the military court Thursday of central Singapore Armed Forces. It was received by Mr Chang Yeng Kit, Permanent Secretary for Development in defense and officers responsible for law and human resources of the Army of Singapore.

During the working session, Chang Yeng Kit presented and discussed with the Vietnamese delegation experiences in organizing the activities of the military justice system of his country.

Singapore Technologies Aerospace wins contract RAFO C130 aircraft

Singapore Technologies Aerospace Awarded a contract has-beens Maintain and upgrade to the Royal Air Force of Oman's (RAFO) C130 Hercules Transport aircraft fleet.

The contract covers three major servicing of the C-130 aircraft, repair and overhaul (R & O) of aircraft components, as well as Rolls-Royce / Allison T56/501 engines and Their accessories.

Additional responsibility includes upgrade of the aircraft's cockpit through integration of the global air traffic management (GATM) compliant avionics sequence featuring a full six-display glass cockpit, digital flight control system and flight management system.

Royal Air Force of Oman air vice marshal ordered Matar Ali Al-Said obaidani the selection is based on the company's expertise Regarding the aircraft and aussi icts due to designation as a one stop center for the C130 Hercules.

"The contract covers three major servicing of the C-130 aircraft, repair and overhaul (R & O) of aircraft components."

"Its Ability to undertake service and depot level cockpit modernization is

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simultaneously Especially advantageous to us, as it minimized downtime and Improves availability of our aircraft fleet," added Al-obaidani.

The upgrades are expected to Improve the aircraft's navigation through Ability communications, navigation, surveillance / air traffic management (CNS / ATM)-regulated airspace worldwide, in addition to operational readiness Enhancing icts, despatch reliability and operational efficiency.

During the third quarter of 2013, the first aircraft to be inducted is Anticipated for changes at the company's facility in Paya Lebar, Singapore, with redelivery Targeted for the first quarter of 2014.

Built by Lockheed Martin, the C-130 aircraft is a four-engine turboprop military transportation aircraft designed to conduite airborne assault, search and rescue, scientific research support, weather reconnaissance, aerial refueling, maritime patrol and aerial firefighting missions.

Second Archer-Class Submarine Returns to Singapore

The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) second Archer-class submarine, RSS Swordsman, arrived at Changi Naval Base (CNB) from Sweden earlier today. Chief of Navy, Rear-Admiral Ng Chee Peng, and other senior naval officers were present at CNB to witness its return.

Launched in Karlskrona, Sweden, on 20 October 2010, RSS Swordsman is one of two ex-Royal Swedish Navy Västergötland-class submarines that Singapore acquired in 2005. Similar to RSS Archer, the RSN's first Archer-class submarine, RSS Swordsman has been comprehensively upgraded, refurbished and tropicalised to ensure its suitability for operations in local conditions. The crew of RSS Swordsman has also undergone extensive training in Sweden since 2008 to acquire the skill sets needed to operate and maintain the submarine.

Singapore and Indian Armies Conduct Artillery Exercise

A combined artillery live-firing was conducted by the Singapore and Indian armies during Exercise Agni Warrior 12 in Devlali, India.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Indian Army (IA) conducted the eighth bilateral artillery exercise, codenamed Exercise Agni Warrior, from 24 Nov to 8 Dec 2012 in Devlali, India. As part of the exercise, the two armies carried out a combined artillery live-firing. The exercise has enhanced mutual understanding and interoperability between the two armies.

Exercise Agni Warrior is conducted under the ambit of the Bilateral Agreement for Joint Army Training and Exercises between both armies. The Agni Warrior series of annual bilateral exercises underscores the warm defence ties between Singapore and India. Apart from bilateral exercises, the SAF and the Indian Armed Forces also interact regularly through visits, courses, seminars and other professional exchanges.

Vietnam-Singapore: dialogue on defense policy

The fifth dialogue on defense policy between Vietnam and Singapore took place from November 19 to 21 in Singapore.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Defense Nguyen Chi Vinh met with the Permanent Secretary of Singapore Ministry of Defence, Chang Chie Foo.

Both parties have sought to strengthen bilateral relations in defense to match the strategic partnership between the two countries, which will be signed in 2013.

On the regional situation, both parties agreed that it remains traditional security challenges such as non-traditional. They stressed that all parties should strive to promote friendship and cooperation to contribute to peace and stability in the world.

They stressed the importance of solidarity and unity among the ASEAN countries to maintain peace and stability in the region, to limit outside influences that are capable of causing divisions intestine within ASEAN, and to strengthen the central role of ASEAN in multinational forums.

Singapore and New Zealand navies conduct Exercise Lion Zeal 2012

Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) ships

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) are conducting a joint annual training exercise, Lion Zeal 2012, off the east coast of the North Island, New Zealand.

Hosted by the RNZN, Lion Zeal was established in 1999 and aims to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance interoperability, as well as professionalism between the two navies while maintaining regional security.

During the exercise, personnel will conduct operational planning and tactical drills in maritime operations, including a sea phase for humanitarian and disaster relief missions.

The bilateral exercise involves participation of RSN's Formidable-class stealth frigate RSS Stalwart as well as RNZN's Anzac-class frigate HMNZS Te Kaha (F77) and RNZN replenishment tanker HMNZS Endeavour.

As well as performing professional exchanges in conventional operations at sea and onshore, the naval crew will also conduct anti-air and live firing exercises against a towed air target.

"Our navy's Anzac frigates are a valuable contributor to regional security, so it's important that we work seamlessly with other navies."

Singapore and Australia Armies Conduct Bilateral Armour Exercise in Australia

The Singapore and Australian Armies are conducting Exercise Matilda, a bilateral armour exercise, from 15 Sep to 5 Oct 2012 at the Mount Bundey Training Area in Darwin, Australia. Exercise Matilda 2012 comprises operational training as well as professional exchanges between both Armies. About 100 personnel from the 48th Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment (48 SAR) and their Leopard 2SG Main Battle Tanks are involved in a bilateral manoeuvre exercise with their Australian Defence Force counterparts from the 1st Armoured Regiment.

Highlighting the value of Exercise Matilda, Commanding Officer of 48 SAR Major Lim Han Yong said, "Participating in this exercise with the ADF provides our tank commanders and operators an excellent opportunity to sharpen their tank gunnery and manoeuvre skills, and also allows us to exchange professional knowledge with the ADF."

Singapore and Australian Navies Conduct Maritime Exercise

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) conducted a bilateral maritime exercise, Exercise Singaroo, from 16 to 19 September 2012. The opening ceremony, held on 16 September, was officiated by the Commanding Officer of the RSN’s 188 Squadron, Colonel Alan Goh and RAN Exercise Director Captain Heath J. Robertson.

Hosted by the RAN, the four-day exercise was held off the coast of Darwin where both navies conducted maritime security serials as well as conventional warfare serials against aerial, surface and underwater threats. The RSN participated in the exercise with a Formidable-class frigate, RSS Stalwart, an upgraded Victory-class missile corvette, RSS Valiant, and an F-50 maritime patrol aircraft. The RAN participated with an ANZAC-class frigate, HMAS Warramunga, a Collins-class submarine, HMAS Dechaineux, and several aircraft.

First held in 1995, this year's Exercise Singaroo is the 16th in the series, and aims to enhance interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies. It is one of many bilateral interactions between the Singapore and Australia defence establishments. Both countries enjoy a

Singapore had Requested Information about the Possible Export of the KC-46 Tanker

Sequestration Threatens Tanker Deal: USAF Official

The U.S. Air Force might have to cancel its contract with Boeing to buy refueling tankers if Congress fails to modify a law mandating federal spending cuts before January, according to a senior service official.

The announcement that the Pentagon might have to cancel the KC-46 contract and renegotiate a multibillion-dollar deal with Boeing is one of the most direct examples of how those budget reductions, know as sequestration, would impact the military.

“I don’t want to break my contract and I’m fearful sequestration may force me to do that,” Maj Gen John Thompson, tanker program executive officer and KC-46 program director, said during a Sept. 18 briefing with reporters at an Air Force Association-sponsored conference in National Harbor, Md.

Singapore Takes Part in Multilateral Exercise in Australia

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is taking part in a multilateral naval exercise, codenamed Kakadu, off the coast of Darwin, Australia, from 29 Aug to 15 Sep 2012. Hosted by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the exercise aims to enhance interoperability among naval forces in the region.

The RSN's Formidable-class frigate RSS Stalwart, Victory-class missile corvette RSS Valiant and an F-50 maritime patrol aircraft are taking part in the three-week long exercise. They will be conducting anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine exercise serials with warships, a submarine, and aircraft from Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand and Thailand. RSS Stalwart will also for the first time assume the role of Anti-Surface Warfare Commander (ASuWC) for the exercise.

Singapore Training Agreement Under Review

A LONGSTANDING agreement to host the training of Singapore air force helicopter pilots in southern Queensland will be reviewed by a federal parliamentary committee.

Under the agreement first signed in 1997, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) 126 Squadron operates up to 16 Cougar helicopters and has 150 RSAF personnel at the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.

Singapore Armed Forces SAF to hold military exercises from Aug 13

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will be conducting military exercises from 8am on Monday, Aug 13 to 8am on Monday, Aug 20.
Members of the public are to note the following areas marked for training - Seletar, Marsiling, Jalan Bahar, Neo Tiew, Lim Chu Kang, Jalan Kwok Min, Tuas, Upper Jurong, Hong Kah, Ama Keng, Bedok Jetty, Kranji, Lentor, Simpang, Sembawang and Mandai.
Blanks and thunderflashes will be used. The public is advised not to be alarmed and to keep clear of these areas.
Live firing exercises will also be conducted in Pasir Laba (SAFTI) Live Firing Area during this period.

ST Aerospace & Alenia Aermacchi Roll Out First M-346 for the RSAF

 enegono Superiore (Varese), Italy  – The first M-346 advanced trainer for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) was rolled out in a ceremony held at Alenia Aermacchi’s plant in Venegono Superiore, Italy.

In September 2010, ST Aerospace, as the prime contractor, teaming with Alenia Aermacchi (a Finmeccanica company) and The Boeing Company, was awarded a contract to supply 12 M-346 aircraft and ground based training system for the RSAF’s Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) programme.

The roll-out ceremony was attended by officials from the RSAF, key representatives from ST Aerospace, The Boeing Company and Alenia Aermacchi, as well as staff representatives involved in the programme. 

Republic of Singapore Navy Conducts Successful Missile Firing

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) conducted a live-firing of the Barak anti-missile missile in the South China Sea earlier today as part of the 18th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise which Singapore is conducting with the United States. The missile was fired by the upgraded RSN missile corvette RSS Victory against an air drone target simulating an attacking profile. The target was successfully destroyed.

Commanding Officer RSS Victory Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Eric Tan Wei Hong said that the exercise was professionally valuable to both the RSN and the United States Navy. "The CARAT exercise allows personnel from both navies to work and interact closely with each other and this has also deepened our

SAF and TNI Conclude Joint Counter-Terrorism Exercise

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) today concluded a Joint Counter-Terrorism (CT) exercise held in Singapore from 14 to 16 July 2012. Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Neo Kian Hong and Commander-in-Chief of the TNI Admiral (ADM) Agus Suhartono officiated at the closing ceremony at the Lim Chu Kang Training Area this morning. Prior to the closing ceremony, LG Neo and ADM Suhartono observed a combined CT demonstration by participating SAF and TNI troops.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, LG Neo noted that the success of the Joint CT exercise was "due to the collective effort and strong contributions from both militaries". He also added that the Joint CT exercise "is indeed a testament to the depth of our relationship and the familiarity of both armed forces working together". ADM Suhartono also highlighted that the Joint CT exercise has strongly motivated and encouraged the two countries to deeply understand the various aspects of counter-terrorism.

Singapore: RSAF launches new Air Imagery Intelligence (UAV) Expert vocation

Newer and more advanced air imagery, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, such as the Heron 1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) System, are able to collect vast volumes of information within a short time.

But information, without analysis, is meaningless. To enable the study of such information for actionable intelligence, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) introduced a new vocation at Chong Pang Camp on 11 Jul.

Known as the Air Imagery Intelligence Expert or AIRIX in short, this new vocation focuses on analysing real-time images collected by the air ISR platforms before passing the findings to relevant agencies for action.

At the AIRIX vocation launch ceremony, 31 RSAF personnel received their AIRIX badges from Chief of Air Force Major-General (MG) Ng Chee Meng, who officiated at the ceremony.

In his speech, Commander of the UAV Command Colonel Tommy Tan explained why UAV Systems Specialists, who operate UAVs, were identified to be the first batch of AIRIX: "This was to capitalise on their existing competencies and rich experiences both in aviation and imagery intelligence."

He continued: "The vocational change entails a shift from aviation-oriented skills to analytical skills that are required of the IMINT (Imagery Intelligence) exploitation professionals."

To the AIRIX, he said: "I hope you will continue to put in great effort to anchor your competencies and more importantly, forge a strong AIRIX identity that each and every one of you can be proud of."

Military Expert (ME) 3 Francis Lim, an Operations Warrant Officer from 116 Squadron, which operates the Hermes 450 UAV, was among the 31 to receive the AIRIX badge.

He elaborated on his change in job scope: "In the past, our job involved flying the UAVs. Now, we won't fly the UAV, but we'll work hand-in-hand with the UAV pilots to convert raw images into useful information, to provide timely and relevant intelligence for our front-end warriors."

Considering it a privilege to be among the pioneers of this new vocation, he said: "I'm looking forward to the job, knowing that I am part of the pioneering batch of AIRIX that will help to realise the full potential of the Air Force."

Read the full story at CyberPioneer

Bronco all terrain tracked carrier ST Kinetics

Bronco all terrain tracked carrier

ST Kinetics - Singapore

The Bronco is supported by a comprehensive Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) system to ensure high operational readiness at all times.

ST Kinetics has also developed the Advanced Proactive Solutions (ALPS) to enhance the ILS system of vehicular platforms.

ALPS has been customised and implemented for the Bronco that are in service.
ALPS include:

• Diagnostic Expert System (DES)
• Electronic manual (EM)
• Computer Based Training (CBT)

Specifications

Length:	8.60 m
Height:	2.20 m
Width over track:	2.30 m
Crew:	16 (6 front + 10 rear)
Maximum road speed:	60 km/h
Swimming speed:	5 km/h
Gradient:	60%
Side slope:	30%
Vertical obstacle:	1 m
Trench:	2 m
Engine:	350 hp at 2400 rpm
Transmission:	fully automatic
Steering system:	hydraulic, articulated
Unladen weight (enclosed):	11200 kg
Unladen weight (flatbed):	10700 kg
Combat payload (enclosed):	4800 kg
Combat payload (flatbed):	5300 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (enclosed):	16000 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (flatbed):	16000 kg

Singaporean Air Force using Indian base to cough up more

New Delhi: Arguing that maintenance costs have gone up, India has asked its best friend in South East Asia to cough up more money in exchange for using its military bases for the training of the Singapore Royal Air Force.
 
The two countries are racing against time to complete negotiations for renewing the lease agreement with Singapore for long-term basis, with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong scheduled to arrive in India in the second week of July.
 
"We have asked for more money due to the current economic situation... We hope to reach an agreement with the Singaporeans soon," said a senior government official.
 
India has had a long tradition of defence relations with Singapore, which has given high priority to its military preparedness following its bitter split from Malaysia in 1965.
 
But, in October 2007, India for the first time allowed a foreign country to station its foreign troops and defence facilities on a long-term basis – which was a demonstration of India’s reliance on Singapore as an anchor for its Look East policy.
 
The bilateral agreement for the conduct of joint military training and exercises in India between IAF and Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) was signed in Delhi, as part of the annual Defence Policy Dialogue.
 
Incidentally, Singapore and India have also signed a similar bilateral agreement for army training, but it will come up for renewal next year.
 
For Singapore, which has an area of just 700 square kilometer, overseas training for its fighter pilots primarily flying F-16 fighter jets is necessary, in the absence of any suitable open tracts of land and airspace.
 
“It has been a win-win situation for both sides. We get upgraded facilities, while they get space to conduct their exercises,” said the senior official.
 
In the last five years, Singapore has set up its own facilities at Kalaikonda air base in West Bengal, including residential block and stores.
 
“Singapore has similar agreement with other countries like United States and Australia, but the training comes here at a comparatively cost effective ate,” said the official, adding that they expected the escalation of price to be easily afforded by the prosperous city-state.
 
Singapore has been the fourth highest defence spender in the world on per capita terms, after US, Israel and Kuwait. 
 
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released Monday, it is also the fifth largest importer of arms for the last five years. This year, Singapore had allotted nearly 24 percent of its annual budget towards defence, amounting to $9.6 billion.
 
For India, Singapore has been its most vocal supporter in the regional security architecture. It is also India’s largest trading partner in ASEAN.

Singapore Defence Minister Makes Introductory Visit to China

Singapore's Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, began his introductory visit to China in Beijing yesterday morning. Member of the Central Military Commission of the People's Republic of China, State Councillor and Minister of National Defense General (GEN) Liang Guanglie hosted Dr Ng to a welcome ceremony at the People's Republic of China (PRC) Ministry of National Defense. During their bilateral meeting, GEN Liang and Dr Ng reaffirmed the bilateral relations between the two countries. Both parties also expressed satisfaction with the progress of the bilateral and multilateral exchanges between the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) since the signing of the Agreement on Defence Exchanges and Security Cooperation in January 2008.
 
GEN Liang and Dr Ng also discussed ways to strengthen defence cooperation in the multilateral arena. Both sides expressed commitment to build a robust and inclusive regional security architecture to enhance regional peace and stability, and acknowledged the value of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus and forums such as the Shangri-La Dialogue in promoting strategic and constructive dialogue and practical cooperation. Both sides also expressed support for the ADMM-Plus Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief/Military Medicine Exercise that will be held in Brunei next year.
 
Dr Ng also called on Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission GEN Xu Caihou. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the warm and friendly defence relationship between Singapore and China, including bilateral and multilateral exchanges between the PLA and the SAF. Earlier in the day, Dr Ng visited China's 3rd Capital Garrison, which is responsible for the territorial defence of Beijing, and was briefed on its operations. During the visit, Dr Ng also had the opportunity to meet and interact with the PLA troops.
 
Dr Ng's visit to China underscores the warm and friendly defence relations between Singapore and China. The armed forces of both countries interact regularly through the exchange of visits, courses, seminars and port calls, and have also held two joint counter-terrorism training exercises.

India Is Number One in importers of weapons

For most of the last two decades the biggest importers of weapons were China and the Persian Gulf Arab states. But in the last few years that has been changing. India has become the biggest importer, followed closely by South Korea and Pakistan. China is still a heavy buyer but so is tiny Singapore. India imports about ten percent of arms exports, twice as much as China.
The shifts are all about money and self-sufficiency. After the Cold War ended in 1991, China became a major buyer of Russian weapons and stealer of Russian weapons technology. Although China licensed some Russian tech, they stole a lot more. Largely as a result of that Russia began turning down Chinese orders five years ago. At the same time China kept getting better at copying Russian weapons designs. China is aiming for near-total self-sufficiency in weapons but there will always be some new stuff out there they will seek to buy and copy. China has also become one of the major exporters of weapons.
India has been doing the same thing as China, only India doesn't steal, and has been much slower to acquire advanced manufacturing techniques needed to produce the most modern weapons. Until the 1990s, India had more modern weapons and military equipment than China. Over the last two decades China has caught up and passed India. One result of that is China becoming more aggressive in pressing for resolution, on Chinese terms, of old border disputes with India. This has caused India to import more modern arms and try harder to become more self-sufficient in weapons design and production. This has proved very difficult because India long ago set up a bureaucracy (DRDO or Defense Research and Development Organization) to do just that. But DRDO became a monumental example of bureaucratic inefficiency, wasting billions of dollars and decades of effort on weapons systems that never quite became operational (or when they did, they really weren't).
South Korea, on the other hand, spent the last two decades letting private firms develop new weapons (often using purchased or licensed foreign tech). American technology was imported to help build new armored vehicle and warship designs. Russian tech was obtained for new missile designs. But at the same time South Korea also imported a lot of modern weapons, to put it on a par with Japanese (now a close ally), ahead of China, and way ahead of North Korea (which constantly threatens to invade again).
The Gulf States are still big importers but most of these countries, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are still digesting big acquisitions they made over the last decade.