Singapore Deploys MBDA’s Aster 30 Air-Defense Missile

The Aster 30 medium-range air-defense missile (highlighted in red) is shown to have attained operational status in this graphic released March 2 by Singapore’s Ministry of Defence, five years after it placed an order. (image : Sing MoD)

Singapore has announced for the first time that it has operationally deployed the MBDA Aster 30 air defense system that it had ordered at the end of summer 2013. This is the first time that the ground-launched version of the Aster medium-range missile is deployed by a non-European nation.

Singapore Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen confirmed the delivery of the system in a speech to Parliament’s defense committee on March 2.

Ng Eng Hen had first announced the Aster’s acquisition decision in September 2013 to replace the aging American Hawk system acquired more than thirty years ago.

At the time, replying to a Parliamentary question, said “I would like to announce today that the SAF will also be acquiring the ASTER-30 Surface-to-Air Missile System. This missile defence system against airborne threats is used by advanced militaries such as France and Italy. The ASTER-30's capabilities are many times more potent than our current I-HAWK ground-based air defence system.

“The ASTER will allow us to engage multiple threats simultaneously and from a longer distance. It will complement the [Israel Aerospace Industries] SPYDER, which we have already operationalised - it is a mobile, shorter-range, quick reaction ground-based air defence system - and together, they will provide a layered air defence shield.

A fact sheet on the Aster 30 was published at the same time on the Singapore defense ministry’s website.

Also at the time, the CEO of European missile maker MBDA, Antoine Bouvier, noted that the Aster 30 had been selected over competing American and Israeli systems thanks to its "performance" and "price."

“Our skies will be better protected with advanced weapon systems,” Ng said March 2, adding that “We also recently added the ASTER-30 surface-to-air missile system.” The Aster 30 is also included in an infographic illustrating the most capable in-service weapon systems.

Although the Aster 30 was only recently delivered, it would likely already be part of the Air Force Island Air Defense (IAD) system of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). The IAD network, covering the whole of Singapore (42 kilometers long and 23 kilometers wide), connects all RSAF weapons and air defense sensors, including fighters, air-to-surface systems and radar.

The Aster 30 missile system is operated by a single unit, 163 Squadron.

Singapore Technologies Unveils 6x6 Jaeger UGV

The Jaeger 6x6 can be configured for a number of roles, such as with this surveillance mission fit. (photo : ST Engineering)

Singapore Technologies Kinetics has revealed a 6x6 variant of its Jaeger multirole unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) at the Singapore Airshow 2018.

The skid-steer, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) weighs 730 kg and can carry a payload of 250 kg. Power is provided by a hybrid-electric propulsion system (lithium-ion battery and diesel generator). A fully loaded Jaeger 6x6 is capable of travelling at speeds of up to 16 km/h for as long as four hours in electric drive mode, but its endurance can be extended to 24 hours with onboard charging via the generator.The Jaeger can be controlled using two methods: line-of-sight direct tele-operation via a portable control unit with an approximate range of 1 km, or semi-autonomous navigation using a combination of 2D LiDAR and GPS for obstacle avoidance and navigation respectively.

Israel’s Automotive Robotic Industry (ARI) provides the base platform in the form of its AMSTAF vehicle, while ST Kinetics and ARI jointly develop the robotic aspect.

A number of mission fits are available for the UGV, including a remote weapon station, mast-mounted electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) payload for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) missions, stretchers for medical evacuation, and a communications relay package. The vehicle’s payload bay can also be utilised for carrying other equipment and stores.

Singapore quietly delivers earthquake relief aid to Taiwan

Singapore DSO National Labs' projects, coupling a UAV and a UGV

If you see a "bird" being launched from a car without a driver, do not be alarmed! It is one of #DSONationalLabs' projects, coupling a #UAV and a #UGV. Their Robotics Lab is a specialised facility where engineers and scientists from different disciplines can meet. Here's a video. pic.twitter.com/cxpJkCWFVv

— Ng Eng Hen (@Ng_Eng_Hen) January 9, 2018

Singapore Reveals Delivery Date for First Airbus Tanker

Singapore will take delivery of its first Airbus Defence and Space A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport later this year, as the country’s Air Force celebrates its 50th anniversary.

According to a news release issued by Singapore’s Defence Ministry detailing events and activities that the Republic of Singapore Air Force will hold to mark the anniversary, the A330 MRTT will make its first public appearance at a parade on Sept. 1, the date the service was formed in 1968 as the Singapore Air Defence Command.

Am Air Force spokesperson told Defense News that the exact date of the aircraft’s arrival is still being finalized and more details will be announced closer to the event.

The latest photos of the aircraft — taken at Toulouse, France, in November 2017 during the testing and evaluation phase following the conversion to the tanker configuration — show it still in its tan primer and not yet painted in the Air Force’s colors.

Singapore announced its order of six A330 MRTTs in March 2014 to recapitalize its fleet of midair refueling tankers. The Air Force currently operates a fleet of four Boeing KC-135R Stratotankers, acquired and refurbished in 2000 from stored ex-U.S. Air Force airframes.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force also has about five of its 10 Lockheed Martin C-130B/H Hercules airlifters plumbed for the tanker role, although they are no longer used in this role, as the Air Force currently does not operate aircraft equipped for refueling by probe.

The first Air Force A330 MRTT will be delivered in what is known as the MRTT Enhanced configuration, featuring a package of aerodynamic improvements, structural modifications and avionics updates over the previous baseline military variant. France and South Korea will also be receiving their A330 MRTTs in this standard.

Singapore Follow Support Peace Carvin V F-15 Training Detachment

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Singapore for GBU-10 Paveway II Laser Guided Bomb (LGB) units; GBU-12 Paveway II LGB units; and FMU-152 or FMU-139D/B fuzes for an estimated cost of $415 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Singapore has requested to purchase forty (40) GBU-10 Paveway II Laser Guided Bomb (LGB) units, consisting of: MXU-651B/B Air Foil Groups (AFG), MAU-209C/B or MAU-169L/B Computer Control Groups (CCG), MK-84 or BLU-117B/B bomb bodies; eighty four (84) GBU-12 Paveway II LGB units, consisting of: MXU-650C/B AFG, MAU-209C/B or MAU-168L/B CCGs, MK-82 or BLU-111B/B bomb bodies; and sixty (60) FMU-152 or FMU-139D/B fuzes. Also included are AIM-120 Telemetry Kits; target drones; High-Bandwidth Compact Telemetry Module kits; exercise participation support; weapons, Electronic Combat International Security Assistance Program (ECISAP), and systems support; medical support; vehicle and ferry support; airlift and aerial refueling; individual equipment; maintenance, spare and repair parts; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor, logistics, and technical support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $415 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a critical regional partner that has been, and continues to be, an important force for economic progress in Southeast Asia.

This potential sale will continue to improve Singapore’s ability to develop mission-ready and experienced pilots to support its F-15 aircraft inventory. The well-established pilot proficiency training program at Mountain Home Air Force Base will support professional interaction and enhance operational interoperability with U.S. Forces. Singapore will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and support into its armed forces.

Singapore Commissions Two Littoral Mission Vessels (LMV)

Singapore's Seaward Defence Strengthened with Commissioning of Two New Littoral Mission Vessels

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated at the commissioning ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs) RSS Sovereignty and RSS Unity at RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base today. The commissioning of RSS Sovereignty and RSS Unity marks a significant milestone in the RSN's continued transformation to strengthen its capabilities, as the two LMVs join the rest of the Navy to safeguard Singapore's waters, protect its sea lines of communication and contribute to regional peace and security.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Ng highlighted the need to adapt and prepare for future challenges as the range of threats and spectrum of missions have expanded. He said, "Today, the RSN already contributes to regional and global security efforts… Going forward, the demands on our RSN will increase. Part of this reflects both the rising trade as well as the military build-up of regional navies in our surrounding waters." Dr Ng added that the LMVs are future-ready ships built to respond to these different mission requirements and fulfil the RSN's role in keeping Singapore's sea lines of communication secure and accessible for the nation's economic growth and prosperity. He added,

"The LMVs represent a quantum jump compared to its predecessor, the Fearless-class patrol vessels. Whether it is speed, endurance, anti-air or Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) capabilities, the LMVs outperform by leaps and bounds the Patrol Vessels that were built in the 1990s… With today's commissioning, RSS Sovereignty and RSS Unity will join RSS Independence to expand the range and effectiveness in missions."

Jointly developed by the RSN and the Defence Science and Technology Agency, the Independence-class LMVs are equipped with smarter technology and sharper capabilities to enable the RSN to operate more efficiently and effectively. The network-centric ships possess advanced radars and sensors, as well as a 360 degree out-of-window view and improved sense-making systems to enhance situational awareness and accelerate decision-making. The LMVs also have lethal and non-lethal options to deliver calibrated responses to deter and defend against various threats. Their mission modularity further allows the ships to be configured for a wide spectrum of operations.

RSS Sovereignty and RSS Unity are the second and third ships out of eight LMVs that will replace the ageing Fearless-class Patrol Vessels which have been in service for more than 20 years. The first-of-class LMV RSS Independence was commissioned on 5 May 2017 and the remaining five LMVs are expected to be operational by 2020.

Also present at the ceremony were Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, and senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Singapore Armed Forces.

Singapore Receives Fourth Littoral Mission Vessel

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has taken delivery of its fourth Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV).

The warship, which will be in service as RSS Justice with pennant number 18 once it is commissioned, was handed over by Singapore shipbuilder ST Marine on 31 October, sources close to the matter confirmed with Jane’s on the day after.

Justice , which was launched by ST Marine in March 2017, will now undergo an installation, checkout, integration, and testing (ICIT) phase for various systems on board the ship in the next few months. The platform is currently scheduled for commissioning in 2018.

Justice is part of a contract awarded to ST Marine in January 2013 for eight LMV platforms. The vessels are progressively replacing the RSN's fleet of Fearless-class patrol vessels that have been in service since the mid-1990s. First-of-class LMV, RSS Independence (15) was commissioned in May 2017 and is currently deployed with the RSN’s 182 Squadron as an operational component of the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF’s) Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF).

The LMV platform measures 80 m in length, 12 m in breadth, and has a hull draught of 3 m. Powered by two MTU 20V 4000 M93 engines in a combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) configuration, the 1,250-tonne warship has a top speed in excess of 27 kt and a standard range of 3,500 n miles at 15 kt.

Not all Kiwis support Singapore’s deployment of fighters in New Zealand

Singapore has completed its deployment of six F-16D+s to New Zealand’s Ohakea air base on Sept. 25. The local media reported that not all residents living nearby welcome the training exercise.

Singapore's US-based Chinooks to assist in Hurricane Harvey relief operations

Singapore Fighter Jets to Train in New Zealand

A Republic of Singapore Air Force flying training exercise hosted by the Royal New Zealand Air Force will take place at the Ohakea Air Force base from 30 August to 25 September, says Defence Minister Mark Mitchell.

Mr Mitchell says the deployment will include six F-16D+ fighter jets, about 110 personnel and associated support equipment. The contingent will be based at Ohakea but will carry out training missions throughout New Zealand, including day and night flying, using New Zealand air weapons ranges, and conducting other training at both high and low altitude.

“Singapore is one of our closest Defence partners. All three Services of the New Zealand Defence Force regularly train and exercise with their Singaporean counterparts, and it will be a pleasure to welcome this group to New Zealand,” Mr Mitchell says.

“Our two countries have an active agreement to explore opportunities for further military co-operation and training and this exercise aligns perfectly with that.”

Mr Mitchell says Singapore has also asked the New Zealand Government to consider accommodating F-15SG fighter jet training at Ohakea long-term.

“At the moment both countries are carrying out a range of studies to enable everyone to make an informed decision on a possible proposal. But we have similar values and it could be a good fit.

“This exercise is timely, in that it will provide valuable data for the process and how basing F15s at Ohakea might work for our Air Force.

“The Government is committed to following a good process and is firmly committed to work closely on this with local communities through their mayors and councils. That engagement has already begun.

“There is a lot of work to be done before the possibility could come to fruition and I look forward to a productive partnership with local government in that work,” Mr Mitchell says.

Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Celebrates 50 Years of National Service

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) commemorated SAF Day at a parade officiated by President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the SAFTI Military Institute this evening.

More than 3,000 SAF Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen), full-time National Servicemen and Regulars attended the parade. Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Perry Lim led SAF personnel in reciting the SAF pledge to reaffirm their loyalty to the country and their commitment to the defence of Singapore. This year's parade also marked 50 years of National Service and featured an NSman parade commander, Lieutenant Colonel (NS) Tan Teng Kwee.

At the parade, President Tan presented the State Colours to this year's Best Combat Unit, 1st Commando Battalion, while Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the Best Unit and Best National Service Unit awards to 29 SAF units.

Also present at the parade were Minister in Prime Minister's Office Mr Chan Chun Sing, Second Minister for Defence Mr Ong Ye Kung and Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman.

Singapore Details Ongoing Upgrades to Leopard 2SG MBTs

An unspecified number of the Singapore Army's Leopard 2SG MBTs have received a new sighting system for the vehicle commander. At least two upgraded examples were shown at the Army Open House 2017 exhibition in May. (photo : Jane's)

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is continuing to improve the combat effectiveness of its fleet of ex-Bundeswehr Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks (MBTs) with new capabilities, with the most recent addition revealed to be a commander's panoramic sighting system.

At least two upgraded Leopard 2A4 MBTs - which are operated by the Singapore Army under the designation of Leopard 2SG - featuring the new system, called the Commander's Open Architecture Panoramic Sight (COAPS) were exhibited in public at the Army Open House 2017 (AOH 2017) event from 27-29 May.

"COAPS is part of the SAF's effort to upgrade the Leopard 2SG since 2010," the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) revealed to Jane's in an 18 June statement. "Other ongoing upgrades include [the installation] of battlefield management system (BMS), crew compartment cooling system, auxiliary power unit [APU], reverse camera, internal vehicle electronics, and fire-control system [FCS] modifications."

Singapore Army personnel with whom Jane's spoke to at AOH 2017 said the new sighting system is supplied by STELOP. The company is a subsidiary of Singapore Technologies (ST) Electronics, which is the advanced electronics and communication development arm of local defence prime ST Engineering. However, industry sources told Jane's that STELOP is manufacturing COAPS under license from Israel's Elbit Systems Electro-optics (ELOP), which has been offering the system on the international market since it was launched in March 2010.

According to Elbit's specifications, COAPS is a modular dual-axis stabilised sight aimed specifically at armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) and MBT applications. Based on an open architecture design, it can be configured with different sensors, including 3-5 µm or 8-12 µm thermal imagers, day and night charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras, and eye-safe laser rangefinders, to suit mission requirements.

Singapore Army Open House 2017 : Armoured Vehicles Static Display

Singapore - 428th Fighter Squadron Hits the Nail on the Head at Combat Hammer

Singapore Completes JDAM Integration on F-15SG

Singapore Air Force personnel loading a GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition on an F-15SG during exercise Combat Hammer. This was the first time that a JDAM was launched by a Singaporean F-15SG. (USAF photo)

428th Fighter Squadron Participates In Combat Hammer

MOUNTAIN HOME AFB, Idaho --- The Republic of Singapore Air Force participated in Combat Hammer last week at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

Combat Hammer is an exercise that evaluates weapons systems in their entirety— from the loading to the delivery of the munitions.

“Exercise Combat Hammer provides the aircrew the opportunity to conduct component level proficiency training in a realistic operational scenario,” said RSAF Lt. Koh Ryun Kiat, 428th Fighter Squadron pilot. “The vast air space, technical expertise and analytical data acquired throughout this exercise allows the RSAF to hone its skills and evaluate advanced weapons systems.”

Preparation for the week-long exercise required the entire RSAF unit stationed here to come together.

“There are a lot of people involved in Combat Hammer,” said RSAF Capt. Chia Chi Yu, 428th FS weapons instructor. “From my maintenance crew prepping the bombs and loading them onto the jet, all the way to the pilot and the weapons system operators taking the weapons down to the range to actually deploy them.”

Participating in the exercise was a feat in its own, but the real significance lies in what the RSAF was able to do while using Hill’s range complexes.

“The highlight for this competition is our GBU 31, a 2,000-pound class [joint direct attack munition],” Chia said. “This is the first time we are deploying this munition in the RSAF with the F-15SG.” The GBU 31 is used for precision targeting on fixed objects, ranging from stationary vehicles to large building complexes.

“We are able to test our aircraft capability on employing the GBU 31 and it will help us to evaluate our weapons systems and also enhance our operational capability,” said RSAF ME2-1 Teoh Teck Lee, 428th FS crewchief. “It will help us to evaluate our loading processes and we are able to best match ourselves with one of the world’s best Air Forces.”

Combat Hammer gave the RSAF an opportunity to test the mettle of its airmen and achieve the goal of success and ranking itself among the elite.

“Participating in this large scale exercise will allow the squadron to build confidence in this air-to-ground weapons employment, hone its operational competencies and sharpen the edge of the sword,” Koh said.

Implementing the new weapons system during Combat Hammer last week only scratched the surface of RSAF’s many partnerships which enhance the inter-operability between the two air forces.

“Having the opportunity to attend Combat Hammer and perform in such an environment just highlights the partnership between the USAF and RSAF,” said Lt. Col. Donald Sandberg, 428th Fighter Squadron commander. “When you take the lethality, competence and discipline for both air forces, and pair those together - it really shows that when the two air forces work together the partnership is unstoppable.”

Singapore AH-64Ds to Get New EW Suite

Other report says the latest helicopter design is similar to the Israel Defense Forces AH-64D-I Saraf. (photos : kementah)

Singapore will upgrade its fleet of Boeing AH-64D Apache attack helicopters.

The work will involve installing a helicopter integrated electronic warfare system (HIEWS), says Singapore's defence ministry. This will improve survivability and satellite communications.

The defence ministry has not named the supplier for the new equipment, but says the project is expected to be completed "over the next few years".

Flight Fleets Analyzer shows that Singapore operates 17 AH-64Ds with an average age of 12.2 years. It originally obtained 18 Apaches, but one was lost in a September 2010 crash.

Singapore Army - Next Generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle Testing

RSAF's New Drone Heron 1 Now Combat-Ready

It can fly as high as 6km in the sky, cruise at speeds as fast as 130kmh, and can be deployed up to 200km away from a remote location.

This drone - or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) - can also fly for more than 24 hours continuously, and take off and land automatically.

It is no ordinary drone though, but the Singapore airforce's latest "eye-in-the-sky" - the Heron 1, which was declared combat-ready on Wednesday (March 15) by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen.


It is a milestone which places the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) on a par with other advanced militaries in intelligence and surveillance capabilities.

In a ceremony held at Murai Camp, Dr Ng marked the Heron 1's achievement of the Full Operational Capability (FOC) status by the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) 119 and 128 Squadrons.

In a speech, he said: "It's a significant milestone. The FOC of the Heron brings RSAF's (unmanned) aerial capabilities to the level of advanced militaries globally."

With its advanced imaging sensors, the Heron 1 provides ground commanders with a real-time, bird's eye view of the battlefield, and it can also guide munitions to targets precisely using its laser designator.

Inaugurated into the RSAF in 2012, the drone can be deployed alongside fighter aircraft and attack helicopters.

To achieve FOC, the squadrons' personnel have to be fully trained to operate, maintain and deploy the Heron 1 in operations.

The UAV's capabilities are also validated in missions, to ensure integration with the SAF's network of sensors and fighting systems.

Dr Ng said the 119 and 128 Squadrons have gained considerable expertise and depth, through many high-level exercises, such as multi-agency counter-terrorism exercises in Singapore, and Exercise Forging Sabre in Arizona, US.

Commending the RSAF and the UAV Command, Dr Ng also said SAF has come a long way since 1979, when it launched its first Mastiff remotely piloted vehicle, and that it has steadily built up its experience on successive and more advanced platforms.

The Heron 1 is made by the Israel Aerospace Industries Malat division and will replace the Searcher-class UAV, which has been in service since 1994.

Singapore Army - Leopard 2SG MBTs & Armoured Vehicles Live Firing Competition