NDP 2020 Naval Review

After 20 year, the Naval Review returns for the National Day Parade 2020. However, do note that the last maritime review was in 2017 for Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) 50th Anniversary, although that event was pretty much away from public eyes. This year saw five RSN vessels participating in the event, RSS Endeavour (210)…

PSA: NDP2020

Public service announcement, the first round of Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) rehearsal has begun and it seems we will see a five ship F-15SG flying west-east wards across the Padang as it salutes the President. A definite change from before where we always see a south to north overhead salute. Then again, as…

Navy Day: More years for PV and LMV

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…

COVID-19: Some observations

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…

Tower evacuation reminds the importance of PLAB

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…

Aster 30 SAMP/T: What’s the hype about

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…

Fearless-class sans 76mm

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…

Spotter’s Guide: NDP 2019 Mobile Column

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…

Making a Mark for NDP 19

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.…