In 1968, a group of Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) officers made a trip to Switzerland to study a future air defence platform for the new nation and the freshly set up Singapore Air Defence Command (SADC). Led by COL Kirpa Ram Vij, director SAFTI and CPT Lui Pao Chuen, head technical department, logistics division went to…
On Jan 31, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) commissioned the last three of eight Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV), ending a ten year programme aimed to replace 11 Fearless-class Patrol Vessel (PV). However, it seems that the journey has not ended for both ships. At the parliamentary Committee of Supply debate, Defence Minister Ng Eng…
What an unprecedented two weeks it has been. Countries around the region imposed stringent travel restrictions and our closest neighbor Malaysia imposed a two weeks’ lockdown of the country. The after effects was predictable, many flock to supermarkets to stock up on items coming from Malaysia like eggs, vegetables and essentials, and Malaysians working in…
CAAS Release “Flight operations at Changi Airport were disrupted at 0010 hrs today due to the evacuation of Changi Control Tower. The Tower had to be evacuated as the fire suppression system was activated. Normal flight operations were restored at 0140hrs when Changi Control Tower resumed operations. In the interim, air traffic control services were…
The national day parade (NDP) this year showcased the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) latest surface to air missile (SAM) platform, the European MBDA Aster-30. The RSAF is extremely excited about the new system, albeit an identity gaffe by the local Straits Times and Newpaper, and introduced to replace the current I-HAWK operated by…
A recent interview with a Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) pioneer had a magnificent backdrop of the Fearless-class patrol vessels. Of interest would be the three decommissioned vessels, Sovereignty, Justice and Independence with its OTO Melara 76mm A-gun removed (see below). It was said that they are re-used for the Littoral Misson Vessel (LMV), but that…
Seen parked at the NDP mobile column, the VAMTAC VSD ‘jeeps’ bears an interesting detail, a red sticker in traditional Chinese, saying right hand drive. What it means is for anyone to imagine 😉
Thanks to the bicentennial year of Singapore’s founding, and the 50th anniversary of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) armour formation, National Day Parade (NDP) this year is held at the Padang and my favourite mobile column is brought forward a year. This year’s mobile column features 171 vehicles, stringing as far out as 1.3km. Below…
The National Day Parade (NDP) 2019 was marketed as a celebration of Singapore’s bicentennial and with that some notable guests including Malaysia PM Dr Mahathir will be attending. From a defence perspective, we all know that there will be a fly-past and a mobile column, but this year’s mobile column will be a significant one.…
Lightning For the Lion City Full article can be found on March 2019 edition of AIR International On January 18, Singapore Ministry of Defence (Mindef) announced that the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II was identified as the ‘most suitable replacement’ for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) fleet of Lockheed Martin F-16C/D/D+ Block 52…
There is a certain major landmark in Singapore (let’s call it Landmark S) that has a particular attraction that spews lights and lasers out into the night sky. Concerned that it might pose an aeronautical safety hazard, it worked closely with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to have in place a system and…
Five of Fifty In November 2008, I signed on the dotted line and became a full time regular of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). The years in the RSAF has broadened my perspectives on defence, particularly on our own Air Force, which has been helpful in my current job as a defence journalist.…
