AD Singapura Operasikan HIMARS

Menhan Dr Ng Eng Hen berdialog dengan awak HIMARS. (Foto: Mindef)

6 September 2011, Singapura (Berita HanKam): Angkatan Darat Singapura resmi mengoperasikan baterai High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) pertama di Kamp Khatib, Singapura, Senin (5/9). Baterai HIMARS dioperasikan oleh Bravo Battery of 23 SA.

Saat peresmian, Menteri Pertahanan Singapura Dr Ng Eng Hen menyaksikan demontrasi penyebaran dan pengoperasian HIMARS sebagai bagian dari sebuah jaringan pertahanan.

HIMARS dilengkapi Battlefield Management System (BMS), hingga terhubung dengan Markas Komando dan tim misi pengamatan. Kekuatan tempur AD Singapura lainnya, seperti pesawat terbang dan kendaraan tempur terhubung juga dengan BMS.

HIMARS senjata yang mematikan dan bersifat mobil dimana setiap peluncur HIMARS mampu menembakan enam roket dalam waktu 45 detik dengan jarak tembak 70 km dan akurasi 10 meter.

AD Singapura menerima HIMARS Juli tahun lalu, dan melakukan penembakan dengan peluru tajam pertama kalinya November 2010 di Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Amerika Serikat.




Sumber: Mindef

RSS Archer Tiba di Singapura

RSS Archer saat tiba di Lanal Changi. (Foto: Mindef)



19 Agustus 2011, Singapura (Berita HanKam): RSS Archer kapal selam kelas Archer pertama tiba di Pangkalan Angkatan Laut Changi dari Swedia, Jumat (17/8). KASAL Singapura Rear-Admiral Ng Chee Peng didampingi sejumlah perwira tinggi menghadiri kedatangan kapal selam.



RSS Archer salah satu dari dua kapal selam kelas Archer eks-kelas Vaastergotland AL Swedia yang dibeli oleh pemerintah Singapura pada 2005. RSS Archer diluncurkan di Karlskrona pada 16 Juni 2009.



Kapal selam diupgrade, diperbaharui serta disesuaikan dengan iklim tropis untuk menyesuaikan dengan kondisi operasi. Para awak kapal selam telah dilatih di Swedia sejak 2007. RSS Archer akan bergabung dengan skuadron 17.





Kapal selam kelas Archer dilengkapi sistem Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), meningkatkan kemampuan kapal selam menyelam lebih lama dan menghasilkan suara senyap.



Panjang kapal selam 60,5 meter dan lebar 6,1 meter, berat dipermukaan 1400 ton dengan kecepatan 8 knot sedangkan saat menyelam 1500 ton kecepatan lebih dari 15 knot, dipersenjatai 9 tabung torpedo.



Sumber: Mindef

Prajurit AB Singapura Berada di Lanud Halim Perdanakusumah

Pesawat Helikopter Chinook RSAF (Royal Singapura Air Force) tiba di Lanud Halim Perdanakusuma,Jakarta Timur, Senin (11/7). (Foto: pen halim)

13 Juli 2011, Jakarta (Pelita): Tim Aju Headquarters Guard dari Angkatan Bersenjata Singapura dengan Mission Commander Ltc Siva Stevens tiba di Lanud Halim Perdanakusuma disambut oleh Kasi Opslat Disops Lanud Halim PerdanakusumaMayor Pnb Adrian Damanik, Senin (11/7), dalam rangka latihan bersama ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Exercise (AHDR 2011) atau Latihan Penanggulangan Bencana se-tingkat ASEAN.

Menurut Mayor Pnb Adrian Damanik selaku Sub Koordinator Operasi Udara dalam latihan bersama ini; peran serta Lanud Halim Perdanakusuma dalam kegiatan ini sangat penting. Sebab, Pangkalan Udara Halim Perdanakusuma akan menjadi pintu gerbang baik kedatangan maupun keberangkatan anggota Angkatan Bersenjata Singapura dalam beberapa hari ke depan, para Atase Pertahanan negara-negara ASEAN akan hadir di Lanud Halim untuk menyaksikan simulasi penanggulangan bencana atau CIQ (Custom Immigration and Quarantine).

Ltc Siva Stevens yang bertindak sebagai Komandan Misi AHDR mengungkapkan, pembukaan kegiatandilaksanakan hari Selasa(12/7) di Changi C2 Center Singapura. Sedangkan Team Advance-nya yang terdiri dari RSAF, tim medis, tim komunikasi dan tim film unit yang berjumlah 78 personel datang terlebih dahulu ke Indonesia.

Kapen Lanud Halim Perdanakusuma Mayor Sus Gerardus Maliti, SSos menjelaskan,kedatangan personel AB Singapura terbagi dalam beberapa penerbangan. Dengan Hercules C-130 berjumlah 32 anggota dilanjutkan dengan 21 personel menggunakan dua pesawat Helicopter Chinook yang mendarat di Base Ops Lanud Halim Perdanakusuma. Rencana latihan berlangsung dari tanggal 12-14 Juli 2011.

Sumber: Pelita

Foto PRT Bawakan Tas Ransel Tentara Singapura Jadi Cibiran

30 Maret 2011, Singapura -- (Bisnis Jabar): Sebuah foto yang memperlihatkan seorang pembantu rumah tangga (PRT) membawakan tas ransel seorang tentara sedang menjadi perbicangan di Singapura. Dalam foto tersebut, PRT itu terlihat berjalan mengikuti seorang prajurit.

Foto itu sontak menuai cibiran. Ada yang menyebut prajurit-prajurit Angkatan Bersenjata Singapura alias Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) manja dan lembek. Foto tersebut banyak dimuat di media Singapura dan Internet pekan ini. Foto yang awalnya diposting di Facebook itu pun menjadi buah bibir.

“SAF harus menemukan PRT itu dengan cepat. Masukkan dia ke militer, dia kuat,” kicau pemilik akun Twitter Rod_Man14.

“Di balik setiap kesuksesan prajurit SAF, ada seorang PRT,” kicau Chinteresting di situs mikro-blogging Twitter seperti diberitakan kantor berita AFP, Rabu (30/3/2011).
“Jika dia tak bisa membawa ranselnya sendiri, bagaimana bisa bergantung pada prajurit seperti ini untuk membela Singapura,” cetus Heavencry09 di forum obrolan portal berita xinmsn.

Menurut seorang analis, prajurit dalam foto tersebut memang terkesan lembek dan manja. “Ini satu insiden, saya pikir satu-satunya kesimpulan yang bisa kita buat secara umum adalah bahwa tentara itu memang lembek dan manja,” kata Bernard Loo, pakar urusan militer di lembaga studi S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. Namun ditekankannya, tidak adil untuk menggeneralisir tentara Singapura dengan foto tersebut.

Gara-gara foto tersebut, harian Singapura, New Paper melakukan survei terhadap 23 prajurit Singapura. Hasilnya, diketahui bahwa 22 orang di antaranya menyuruh PRT mereka untuk mencuci dan menyeterika pakaian seragam mereka. Sedangkan 17 orang di antaranya menyuruh PRT mereka untuk membersihkan kamar mereka.

Hampir 200 ribu PRT diperkirakan bekerja di Singapura tahun lalu. Sebagian besar dari mereka berasal dari Indonesia dan Filipina.

Sumber: Bisnis Jabar

Chinook RSAF Singgah di Lanud Supadio

23 Maret 2011, Kubu Raya -- (ANTARA News): Seorang anggota Brigade Anjing Satuan Polisi Militer TNI-AU bersiaga di sekitar helikopter Chinook CH 47SD milik Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), yang singgah di Lanud Supadio, Kab. Kubu Raya, Kalbar, Selasa (22/3). Dua Helikopter Chinook berpenumpang 28 personil militer itu akan kembali ke negaranya setelah melaksanakan Latihan Bersama Penanggulangan Bencana Alam ARF DIREx di Manado, Sulawesi Utara. (Foto: ANTARA/Jessica Wuysang/Koz/Spt/11)

Beberapa personil helikopter Chinook CH 47SD milik Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) mencek mesin heli ketika singgah di Lanud Supadio. (Foto: ANTARA/Jessica Wuysang/Koz/Spt/11)

Hercules RSAF Selesaikan Misi Kemanusian di Selandia Baru

9 Maret 2011, Singapura -- (Berita HanKam): Dua pesawat angkut militer C-130 Hercules Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) kembali ke pangkalannya, setelah sukses melakukan misi kemanusian membantu New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) menanggani bencana gempa bumi di kota Christchurch, Selandia Baru. Dua puluh enam awak pesawat dan empat anggota Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) diterima KASAU Mayor Jenderal Ng Chee Meng beserta perwira senior AB Singapura dan SCDF di pangkalan udara Paya Lebar, Selasa siang (8/3).

RSAF mengirimkan dua C-130 dan satu pesawat tanker KC-135 ke Selandia Baru pada 23 Februari 2011. KC-135 kembali ke Singapura pada 25 Februari setelah mengevakuasi 32 warga sipil dari Christchurch ke Auckland. Dua C-130 tetap di Christchurch membantu NZDF dalam operasi angkut udara bantuan kemanusian korban bencana.

Dua C-130 menyelesaikan 13 misi dan mengevakuasi 160 warga sipil, mengangkut 36 personil tim SAR Selandia Baru, hamper 110.000 pound bantuan untuk korban bencana, termasuk air minum, peralatan anti-kontaminasi, pakaian dan generator portabel.

Sumber: Mindef
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RSAF Ikuti Avalon Airshow 2011

F-16C Fighting Falcon RSAF lakukan terbang akrobatik di Avalon 2011.

1 Maret 2011, Singapura -- (Berita HanKam): Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) berpartisipasi pada International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition (Avalon) ke-10, diadakan di Bandara Avalon, Victoria, dari 1-6 Maret 2011. Avalon tahun ini bertepatan dengan HUT ke-90 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

RSAF menyertakan dua helikopter Super Puma dan satu jet tempur F-16 untuk display statis. Satu jet tempur F-16 lain melakukan terbang solo untuk pertama kalinya di Avalon. Sejumlah manuver udara ditampilkan F-16 diataranya S-Climb, Quadruple Roll dan High-Gravity Turn.

Hubungan RSAF dan RAAF terjalin baik, RAAF menyertakan tim akrobatik dan F-111 dalam Singapore Airshow 2008 dan 2010. RSAF turut serta dalam latihan internasional Picth Black yang diselengarakan RAAF.

Sumber: Mindef
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Minister of State for Defence visits SAF Troops in New Zealand

Minister of State for Defence Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee (second from right) and New Zealand Defence Minister Dr Wayne Mapp (third from right) receiving a brief on Exercise Thunder Warrior 2011.

22 January 2011, New Zealand -- (Mindef): Minister of State for Defence, Associate Professor (A/P) Koo Tsai Kee, and the New Zealand Minister of Defence, Dr Wayne Mapp, visited Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) troops participating in the annual artillery exercise, codenamed Thunder Warrior, at the Waiouru Training Area in New Zealand this morning. As part of this year's visit, A/P Koo and Dr Mapp observed a battalion live-firing exercise involving the Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer, Primus. This is the second consecutive year they are observing the exercise. About 350 SAF personnel from the 21st and 24th Battalions, Singapore Artillery, are taking part in this year's exercise which is conducted from 17 Jan to 1 Feb 2011.

A Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer, Primus participating in the live-firing exercise at the Waiouru Training Area, New Zealand.

A/P Koo's visit is part of the regular ministerial exchanges between Singapore and New Zealand, and underscores the close and long-standing defence relations between the two countries. The SAF and the New Zealand Defence Force interact extensively through bilateral and multilateral training exercises, professional exchanges and courses.

Source: Mindef

Inauguration of the SAF's Naval Helicopters into 123 Squadron

Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen unveiling the inauguration plaque for the naval helicopters' inauguration into 123 Squadron at Sembawang Air Base.

18 January 2011 -- Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated at the inauguration ceremony of the Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval helicopters into 123 Squadron at Sembawang Air Base this afternoon. The 123 Squadron is the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) first naval helicopter squadron. The squadron will join the Helicopter Group under the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF's) Participation Command, which was set up in 2007 to develop and deploy air power in support of land and maritime operations.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Dr Ng highlighted that 123 Squadron's past experience in supporting Army's operations will provide an advantage in this new role in air-sea operations. He said: "I am confident that 123 Squadron will continue to build on its tradition of cross-service integration as it embarks on a new chapter of air-sea operations." Dr Ng also commended RSAF and RSN personnel for their professionalism which has enabled the SAF to build up a high level of operational proficiency and readiness in its integrated naval helicopter and frigate capability.

Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen being briefed on the naval helicopters' capabilities by Commanding Officer of 123 Squadron SLTC Jonathan Tan.

The SAF had earlier acquired six Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval helicopters. All six naval helicopters have returned to Singapore last year after a one-year deployment in San Diego, USA, with the RSAF's Peace Triton detachment. The integration of the naval helicopters with the frigates enables the SAF to undertake anti-surface and anti-submarine missions at longer ranges. Each frigate's sophisticated Command, Control and Communications suite allows it to network with a wide variety of SAF assets to increase force level awareness and mission effectiveness. The inauguration of the S-70B Seahawk naval helicopters into 123 Squadron marks a significant milestone in the SAF's transformation into an integrated and networked force.

Source: Mindef

Singapura Tertarik Beli P-3C Bekas USN

P-3C Orion dari Skuadron Patroli Satu (VP-1) "Screaming Eagles". (Foto: USN/Mate 2nd Class Michael)

15 Desember 2010 -- Singapura tertarik mengakuisisi pesawat patroli maritim P-3C Orion surplus USN menurut pabrik pesawat Lockheed Martin dikutip laman Flight Global, Rabu (15/12).

“Singapura telah mengeluarkan a letter of request untuk melihat P-3,” ucap direktur Lockheed Martin Mark Jarvis. Singapura tertarik membeli 4 atau 5 pesawat. Konfigurasi pesawat mungkin sama dengan 12 pesawat Orion pesanan Taiwan, dikirimkan mulai 2012.

RSAF mengoperasikan 5 pesawat patroli maritim Fokker 50 yang sudah menua, kemungkinan besar menggantinya dengan P-3C Orion. USN akan pensiunkan P-3C Orion dan digantikan Boeing P-8A Poseidon.

Jarvis mengatakan sejumlah P-3C dapat diterbangkan ke pabrik Lockheed di Greenville, South Carolina untuk perbaikan total dan modernisasi sebelum diserahkan pada pihak ketiga.

Menurut catatan Lockheed, lebih dari 430 P-3 dioperasikan oleh 17 negara. Saat ini, Lockheed menguprade 54 P-3C milik Kanada, Norwegia, Taiwan, Badan Penjaga Perbatasan dan Bea Cukai AS dan USN, serta kemungkinan Jerman.

Flight Global/Berita HanKam

Singapore and Indian Air Forces Conduct Joint Military Training

RSAF personnel working with their counterparts from the IAF to plan the flight routes for the Joint Military Exercise.

15 December 2010 -- The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) are conducting a Joint Military Training (JMT) at Kalaikunda Air Force Station, India, from 2 to 16 Dec 2010.

The RSAF's F-16C/D fighter aircraft, RBS-70 fire unit and PSTAR radar have been deployed to train with the IAF's MiG-27 squadron for this year's JMT. The JMT provides an excellent opportunity for the two air forces to train together in realistic and challenging conditions. The training also helps to enhance interoperability and foster closer rapport and understanding amongst the personnel of both air forces.

JMT 2010 is conducted under the Bilateral Agreement for the Conduct of Joint Military Training and Exercises in India between the RSAF and the IAF, which was established in October 2007. The JMT underscores the warm defence relationship between the RSAF and the IAF. Aside from training together, the two air forces also interact regularly through the exchange of visits, cross-attendance of courses and other professional exchange programmes.

Mindef

DPM Teo Reaffirms the Strong Defence Ties with Indonesia

09 December 2010 -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean reaffirmed the strong and long-standing defence ties with Indonesia when he delivered a speech after visiting the Indonesia Defence University (IDU), this afternoon. Mr Teo also called on Indonesian Vice President Boediono in Jakarta today. During the call, both men reaffirmed the excellent and broad-based bilateral relations between the two countries. While in Jakarta, Mr Teo also met with Minister for Defence Dr Purnomo Yusgiantoro.

During his speech at the IDU, Mr Teo noted that bilateral cooperation between Singapore and Indonesia has expanded and deepened over the years. He said, "For over 40 years, these strong military-to-military ties have provided a stable foundation for good overall bilateral relations between our two countries. Singapore-Indonesia cooperation has expanded and deepened over the years." Mr Teo also highlighted the importance of an open, robust and inclusive regional security architecture, and the critical role which Indonesia has to play in ASEAN. He said, "As a long-standing friend and partner, Singapore wants to see a united and prosperous Indonesia, playing a key role in ASEAN and beyond."

As part of his official visit to Indonesia, Mr Teo also called on Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and visited the biennial Exercise Elang Indopura, held between the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Indonesian Air Force, at Ngurah Rai Air Base, Bali yesterday. This year marks the 30th year of the bilateral exercise. Mr Teo's visit underscores the warm and friendly ties between the Singapore and Indonesian defence establishments, which are marked by regular professional exchanges and long-standing bilateral exercises such as Exercise Elang Indopura, Exercise Eagle and Exercise Safkar Indopura.

Remarks by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Mr Teo Chee Hean at the Indonesia Defence University.

Mindef

FPDA Countries Participate in Exercise Suman Warrior 2010

02 November 2010 -- The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) participated in the annual Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) land exercise code-named Suman Warrior, from 23 November to 2 December 2010. This year's exercise, the 21st in the series, was hosted by Singapore. About 65 personnel from the Combat Service Support (CSS) Command, the Army Logistics Training Institute and the 1st Guards Battalion participated in the exercise, along with 260 CSS personnel from Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Exercise Suman Warrior aimed to enhance the interoperability among the FPDA armies. This year's command post exercise provided an opportunity for the FPDA armies to work together as a combined force on the execution of CSS tasks at the brigade level. The exercise also enabled the exchange of professional expertise among the participants and increased mutual understanding between the armed forces of the FPDA countries.

The FPDA was formed in 1971 and is an important part of the regional security architecture. The SAF's regular participation in FPDA exercises underscores Singapore's strong commitment to the FPDA.

Mindef

AD Singapura Operasikan Pesawat Nirawak Mini

Skyblade III lengkap dengan peralatannya. (Foto: ST Aerospace)

29 November 2010 -- Singapura berencana melengkapi satuan infantri dengan pesawat nirawak mini portabel buatan dalam negeri dalam dua tahun, diberitakan harian Singapura The Straits Times.

Skyblade III, pesawat nirawak mini dilengkapi kamera yang mengirimkan gambar pengintaian terkini siang maupun malam, menghilangkan resiko pada prajurit dalam mendapatkan informasi di wilayah musuh.

Prajurit dari 3rd Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment (3 SIR) terlihat mengoperasikan Skyblade III dalam latihan selama 3 hari di Murai Urban Training Facility di Lim Chu Kang minggu lalu.

Menurut Sersan Quek Jian Liang (20 thn) prajurit 3 SIR mengoperasikan Skyblade III sangat mudah seperti bermain game di Xbox atau PlayStation.

Singapura telah melakukan penelitian pada sejumlah pesawat nirawak buatan Amerika Serikat dan Israel, pesawat nirawak mini yang terbaik untuk AB dan prajurit Singapura.

Skyblade II dikembangkan oleh ST Aerospace kerja sama dengan DSO National Laboratories, Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA) dan AD Singapura. Pesawat diberitakan terbang pertama kali pada 2003, termasuk uji coba oleh AD Singapura di Australia pada tahun yang sama. Singapura pertama kali menampilkan ke publik di Asian Aerospance Show 2006 di Singapura.

Pesawat dirancang menyerupai burung dan sedikit mengeluarkan bunyi, panjang keseluruhan 1,4 meter dan bentang sayap 2,6 meter, jarak jelajah 8 km dengan waktu operasi lebih 60 menit, mampu terbang pada ketinggian 90-460 meter , kecepatan 35 knot, serta berat lepas landas 5 kg.

Pesawat mampu mendeteksi target manusia 500 meter pada malam hari dan 900 meter siang hari sedangkan kendaraan 900 meter malam hari, 1200 meter siang hari.

Pesawat siap dioperasikan dalam waktu 30 menit oleh dua orang operator dengan minimal logistik.

Belanja pesawat nirawak di kawasan Asia-Pasifik mencapai 600 juta dolar pada tahun ini, dan diperkirakan akan meningkat 1 milyar dolar pada 2014.





Pengoperasian Skyblade III. (Foto: Asiaone)

Xinhua/Berita HanKam

Indonesian Chief of Naval Staff Calls on DPM Teo

Chief of Naval Staff of the Indonesian Navy ADM Soeparno calling on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean.

26 November 2010 -- The Chief of Naval Staff of the Indonesian Navy, Admiral (ADM) Soeparno called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean at the Ministry of Defence this morning. ADM Soeparno, who is in Singapore for his introductory visit from 26 to 28 Nov 2010, also called on Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Neo Kian Hong and Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Chew Men Leong earlier today. As part of his visit, ADM Soeparno will also be visiting Changi Command and Control Centre today.

ADM Soeparno inspecting the Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence.

The visit by ADM Soeparno underscores the long-standing and strong defence relations between Singapore and Indonesia. The Republic of Singapore Navy and the Indonesian Navy, which have a long history of close and mutually beneficial cooperation, interact regularly through a wide range of activities, which include exercises, visits, professional exchanges and cross-attendance of courses. These interactions have strengthened mutual understanding and friendship between the personnel of the two navies.

Mindef

SAF and PLA Conclude COOPERATION 2010

SAF and PLA soldiers conducting vehicle and personnel inspection during COOPERATION 2010.

24 November 2010 -- The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and People's Liberation Army (PLA) have concluded their second joint counter-terrorism (CT) training exercise, COOPERATION 2010. Brigadier-General (BG) Ngien Hoon Ping, SAF Director of Joint Operations, and Major-General Yang Xuming, Deputy Chief of the Training and Arms Department of the PLA General Staff Headquarters, officiated at the closing ceremony this morning. The closing ceremony was held at the Murai Urban Training Facility and was observed by officials from both countries, including Permanent Secretary (Defence) Chiang Chie Foo and the PLA Deputy Chief of General Staff, General (GEN) Ma Xiaotian. Prior to the closing ceremony, Mr Chiang and GEN Ma also observed a response drill demonstration by the SAF-PLA Exercise Joint Task Force.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, BG Ngien noted that the joint training exercise had "provided a platform for both armed forces to better understand and cooperate with each other”. He added that “interactions such as this stand us in good stead to work together in the future, on efforts such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, should there be a need."

About 60 exercise troops each from the SAF and PLA took part in the nine-day training exercise, which focused on CT security operations, including responding to chemical and explosive threats, for major international events.

People's Liberation Army Deputy Chief of General Staff Calls on DPM Teo

General Ma Xiaotian calling on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Deputy Chief of General Staff, General (GEN) Ma Xiaotian, who is visiting Singapore from 23 to 25 Nov 2010, called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean at the Ministry of Defence this afternoon. During their meeting, Mr Teo welcomed the progressive defence ties and military interactions between Singapore and China.

As part of his visit, GEN Ma met with Permanent Secretary (Defence) Chiang Chie Foo and Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Neo Kian Hong. GEN Ma and Mr Chiang also visited the PLA and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) troops participating in the second SAF-PLA joint counter-terrorism (CT) training exercise, COOPERATION 2010, earlier today. During the visit, GEN Ma and Mr Chiang were briefed on the conduct of the exercise which started on 18 Nov 2010, and observed a joint response drill demonstration. They also witnessed the COOPERATION 2010 closing ceremony, which was co-officiated by the SAF Director of Joint Operations Brigadier-General Ngien Hoon Ping and the PLA Deputy Chief of the Training and Arms Department of the PLA General Staff Headquarters Major-General Yang Xuming.

GEN Ma's visit underscores the warm and growing defence relations between Singapore and China following the signing of the bilateral Agreement on Defence Exchanges and Security Cooperation in January 2008. The armed forces of both countries interact regularly through the exchange of visits, courses, seminars and port calls.

Mindef

DPM Teo Calls on Australian Prime Minister

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean calling on Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard at the Australian Parliament House.

23 November 2010 -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean called on Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard in Canberra today. Both parties reaffirmed the close and broad-based bilateral relations between the two countries, of which the strong and long-standing defence ties are a key pillar. Their meeting also reinforced the political support from both countries for the extensive interactions and cooperation between both armed forces, including the ongoing cooperation in the multinational reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.

During his working visit to Australia, Mr Teo also met with Defence Minister Stephen Smith, Minister for Foreign Affairs Kevin Rudd, Senator John Faulkner, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, Shadow Minister for Defence David Johnston, Special Minister of State for the Public Service and Integrity Gary Gray, Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development, Minister for Sport, and Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness Honourable Mark Arbib and Chief Government Whip Joel Fitzgibbon. At a joint press conference with Mr Smith yesterday, Mr Teo reiterated Singapore's appreciation of the strong and extensive defence relationship between Singapore and Australia. "We are very grateful for the opportunities that Australia has provided for Singapore to train here in Australia. It has been a great help to us, our training in Shoalwater Bay as well as our flight training in Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Pearce in Perth. I have just visited both places and it is going very well, and we are very grateful for the cooperation," said Mr Teo.

Minister for Defence, Stephen Smith with Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Teo Chee Hean at the Press Conference. (Foto: Australia DoD)

Mr Teo had also visited the Republic of Singapore Air Force Flying Training Institute in the Royal Australian Air Force Base Pearce earlier. He had also witnessed an integrated live-firing involving air and land platforms such as the F-16 fighter aircraft, Apache AH-64 helicopters and Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer, Primus, when he visited the Singapore Armed Forces troops participating in Exercise Wallaby 2010 at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland.

DPM Teo visits RSAF Flying Training Institute in Perth

Mr Teo trying out the flight simulator, which is part of the RSAF 130 SQN's ground-based training system.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean visited the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Flying Training Institute (FTI) at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Pearce in Perth, Australia, today. During his visit to RAAF Base Pearce, which is home to the RSAF's 130 Squadron (SQN), Mr Teo tried out the flight simulator, viewed a static display of the state-of-the-art Pilatus PC-21 trainer aircraft and interacted with pilot trainees and RSAF personnel stationed there.

The RSAF has modernised the training programmes for our pilot trainees, which include a comprehensive flying programme as well as a ground-based training management and support system to improve the standard and efficiency of our training. The PC-21 trainer aircraft, with a superior aerodynamic performance and advanced avionics, allows RSAF pilot trainees to build a strong foundation in flying fundamentals and allows the RSAF to identify those with fighter flying aptitude early. The RSAF pilot trainees also utilise a suite of ground-based training systems, including the flight simulator, to shorten their learning curve. In addition, the simulator's ability to generate complex operational scenarios enhances the RSAF pilot trainees' situational awareness and skills in aerial tactics. Commanding Officer of 130 SQN, Lieutenant Colonel Eric Wee, said: "Besides training potential RSAF pilots by equipping them with basic flying skills, trainee pilots also start developing their airmanship, situational awareness and emergency handling skills at the squadron. These competencies are being taught progressively to allow them to develop better flight and air combat skills, as well as mission management skills."

RSAF FTI at Base Pearce has also adopted an outsourcing programme which has increased cost effectiveness. Under a contract awarded through the MINDEF Public-Private Partnership (PPP), Lockheed Martin has been providing the RSAF with a training package using the PC-21 trainer aircraft. They also supply and maintain the fleet of PC-21 trainer aircraft and a suite of ground-based training systems.

Training in Australia and other overseas locations allows the RSAF to overcome airspace constraints in Singapore. The RSAF signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the RAAF to establish the FTI at RAAF Base Pearce in March 1993. Australia has also provided Shoalwater Bay Training Area to the Singapore Armed Forces for training, which Mr Teo visited yesterday to observe Exercise Wallaby. The training arrangements are testament to the close and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and Australia.

Mindef

SAF Conducts HIMARS Live-Firing Exercise in the US

The Singapore Armed Forces' HIMARS in action during the battery live-firing exercise.

21 November 2010 -- The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) conducted a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) battery live-firing exercise, code-named Daring Warrior, from 10 to 21 Nov 2010. About 170 personnel from 23rd Battalion Singapore Artillery participated in the exercise at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, USA.

The battery live-firing is the first being conducted using the SAF's HIMARS, after taking delivery of the system in July this year.The exercise also featured a joint live-firing with the US Army, witnessed by Assistant Chief of General Staff (Operations) Brigadier-General Tung Yui Fai and Commanding General, United States Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill Major-General David Halverson on 19 Nov 2010. The two generals also met with the participating troops from both armies.

Training in the US allows the SAF to build up its operational capabilities and readiness, and facilitates the sharing of professional knowledge among soldiers of the two armies. The US’ support for Exercise Daring Warrior reflects the long-standing and excellent defence ties between Singapore and the US.

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SAF tests new urban operation concept

A Guardsman using a modified iPhone to check out the surrounding terrain as his team members are on the alert, looking out for potential "enemy" troops.

18 November 2010 -- The prospect of facing increasingly urbanised operational environments has prompted the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to examine new war-fighting concepts in a series of experiments dubbed the SAF Innohub Experiment (InnoX). Held over five days starting from 8 Nov, InnoX brought stakeholders - soldiers, concept developers and technologists - together to conduct trials of a new operational concept.

At the heart of these experiments are new operational guidelines and technological tools which enable soldiers to better handle urban operations. For example, soldiers using modified commercially-available electronic gadgets are able to call up images captured by small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) monitoring the locations of their targets, as well as remote ground sensor-shooters. Also tested at InnoX were new Command and Control (C2) guidelines, such as empowering junior commanders to make more decisions in the field.

Explaining the rationale behind the conduct of InnoX was Senior Lieutenant Colonel (SLTC) James Tan, Assistant Director, Future Systems Directorate. "We want to understand the enablers as well as the tactics that we need to equip our troops with for urban operations because we have discovered that the ability for a small unit to be tactically proficient and empowered is critical for our troops to survive in urban combat," said SLTC Tan.

When cyberpioneer observed the proceedings on 11 Nov, the soldiers from the Guards formation seemed to have an uncanny sense of their surroundings as they moved towards their objective - a building held by "enemy" forces.

"The UAVs provide me and my men with a real-time situational picture and we are able to able to move in with greater accuracy," said Staff Sergeant Muhd Bukhari, a Platoon Sergeant from the Guards Formation.

Foreign observers of the experiment proceedings were also impressed with what they saw. "Small tactical formations are at the front of the war-fighting spear, so any experiment that aims to make them better is the right thing to do. What I saw was a well-planned and well-executed experiment," said Mr Vince Goulding, Director, Experiment Division of the United States Marines Corps.

"It's pushing the envelope and it's going to force people to think about changes in manpower, training and equipment," added Mr Goulding.

Also part of InnoX was the Marketplace: an area where defence-related products from Singapore Technologies, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, the Nanyang Technological University and several other innovative companies were showcased to SAF personnel and visiting officers from foreign armed forces.

Held at the Murai Urban Training Facility, InnoX is held twice a year. This second edition of InnoX saw participating forces engage in five runs over the five-day period and the results are still being evaluated.

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Minister of State for Defence visits Indonesia

Minister of State for Defence Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee with Indonesian Defence Minister Dr Purnomo Yusgiantoro at the 4th Indo Defence 2010 Expo & Forum.

11 November 2011 -- Minister of State for Defence Associate Professor (A/P) Koo Tsai Kee is in Indonesia on a three-day visit in conjunction with the 4th Indo Defence 2010 Expo and Forum held in Jakarta. A/P Koo attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition officiated by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono this afternoon. He also met with President Yudhoyono during a joint call with other Ministerial-level guests, and will be attending a dinner hosted by Governor of Jakarta Fauzi Bowo for all heads of delegation this evening.

As part of the visit, A/P Koo called on Minister of Defence Dr Purnomo Yusgiantoro, where both sides noted the good bilateral cooperation between Singapore and Indonesia. They also reaffirmed the close and longstanding ties between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI), and agreed to work together to further strengthen the cooperation.

A/P Koo's visit underscores the strong ties between the SAF and the TNI, which dates back to Exercise EAGLE, the first major bilateral exercise between the two armed forces in 1974. Today, the SAF and the TNI conduct regular bilateral air, land and sea exercises, and engage in other professional exchanges. These bilateral exercises and interactions have strengthened the institutional and personal linkages between the two armed forces.

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