Singapore Defense Update

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Market Research and Other Other Regional Defense Updates:
Afghanistan | Australia | Brunei | Bangladesh | China | India | Indonesia | Japan | Malaysia | Myanmar |
North Korea | Pakistan | PhilippinesSingapore | South Korea | Sri-Lanka | Taiwan | Thailand | Vietnam.


  • Countering the UAS Threat Jun 27, 2024Countering the UAS Threat
    The ongoing wars in Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and the Middle East have emphasized drones as a new and rapidly changing tool of warfare. First manifested in the US war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones, such as the MQ-9 Reaper, were famous for their ability to perform extended reconnaissance and rapidly close attack loops in hybrid and asymmetric warfare. Today, these large and expensive drones encounter difficulties surviving over contested areas encountered by Iranian-made radar-guided Sayyad-2 anti-aircraft surface-to-air missile (SAM) and Counter-UAS optimized optically guided missiles, such as the Iranian Saqr Type 358 UAS interceptor powered by a micro-turbine jet engine. Both have been used successfully against US and Israeli drones over Yemen and Lebanon. Drone Usage in Recent Conflicts In the Ukraine war, MALE drones cannot survive, but much smaller and cheaper tactical UAS, such as the Russian Z-16, manage to survive for longer missions, along with many types of one-way attack (OWA) drones widely used on both sides. When these drones operate on extended missions, they may not enjoy the freedom of action they had only months ago. The Ukrainians have recently begun to employ FPV drones to intercept fixed-wing surveillance drones using the FPV drone as a ‘hit to kill’ interceptor. Used against multirotor drones, other systems employ various means to disable the drone’s rotors, such as nets, traps, or nylon strips to entangle them. In the Middle East, all participants use OWA drones widely. While most attacks launched from long ranges (Iraq, Syria, and Yemen) are repelled by Israel, the mountainous area of South Lebanon and the Galilee poses a challenge for the detection and interception of OWA drones launched by the Iranian proxy group Hezbollah. The Lebanese group has acquired much experience with the new weapons and directed many of the attacks against ...
  • Iron Swords War – Air Defense Challenge Jun 27, 2024Iron Swords War - Air Defense Challenge
    Unlike the land campaign in Gaza that involved mostly ground forces on both sides, most activities on other fronts were conducted in the aerial domain, which tasked Israeli air defense forces to spread out their assets, learn to adapt and improve under fire, and engage different threats, the new techniques, and tactics developed by the enemy. This article outlines Israel’s current and evolving air and missile defense capabilities in retrospect of the recent events.
  • SeaGuardian UAS Assumes Net-Enabled Weapons Capability Jun 27, 2024SeaGuardian UAS Assumes Net-Enabled Weapons Capability
    General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. and Lockheed Martin are collaborating to provide Net-Enabled Weapons (NEW) capability for GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SeaGuardian Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). The addition of NEW capability for SeaGuardian will bolster the Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting (ISR&T) capability for the aircraft, enabling the platform to rapidly engage targets based on real-time intelligence collected by its sensors. Such capabilities are already supported by the MQ-9 but were not yet implemented by the MQ-8B SeaGuardian.
  • The Evolving Role of Military Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Jun 24, 2024The Evolving Role of Military Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
    Recent combat operations have demonstrated the profound influence of unmanned aerial vehicles on recent warfare. This article highlights the new roles and utilization of UAS in ISR, logistics and attack, leveraging hybrid designs of VTOL, fixed wing, ICE and electric propulsion.
  • AFV Situational Awareness in the Urban Battlespace Jun 20, 2024AFV Situational Awareness in the Urban Battlespace
    Armored fighting vehicles face other challenges when operating in urban combat. They are exposed to snipers or anti-tank teams operating from elevated positions on rooftops or accessing underground shafts too close for the crew to respond. In these conditions, technology must augment situational awareness, allowing the crew or defensive systems to focus on the most relevant threat. These capabilities are already operational with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). 360° armor protection is a must, and several companies are addressing this requirement with new protection systems. Active protection systems, like Rafael’s Trophy and Elbit Systems’ Iron-Fist, combine radar and Electro-optical sensors, high-performance processors, and different effectors, from explosively formed projectiles through blasts to lasers to destroy incoming projectiles. The latest enhancements introduced with these systems include dual-sensor capability (radar+EO) and top attack engagements being considered by the developers of both systems. However, APS adds considerable weight to the vehicle and requires a substantial base armor for optimal function. Other systems include passive systems, like the Hedgehog top-side and flexFence counter-RPG armor, added to the base armor. Both are offered by Plasan. These ‘statistical protection’ means can reduce the probability of penetration by up to 80 percent compared to base armor. Another essential is peripheral vision. Unfortunately, transparent armor provides such capabilities at a substantial weight penalty. Nevertheless, modern vehicles require transparent armor as base armor to ensure situational awareness, driving, and crew performance. Such systems are provided by OSG. Imco, a supplier of electrical and electronic systems for AFVs, offers a Situational Awareness Video System (SAVS Ai) that provides 360° surveillance and protection for combat vehicles. and transforms situational awareness and decision-making capabilities. The system integrates cameras, sensors, an advanced video matrix, an AI application for real-time sensor data analysis, and multiple user displays, enabling commanders and crew members to maintain complete situational awareness in all ...
  • Israel’s Indoor Surveillance and Attack Drones Jun 19, 2024Israel's Indoor Surveillance and Attack Drones
    Operating drones low above ground and in complex terrain represents unique challenges, as most drone controls are limited to line of sight and uninterrupted satellite-based navigation. To endure in a GNSS-contested environment and operate indoors or underground, standard drones would not operate in such conditions. The drone platforms specially designed for subterranean or indoor environments require unique networking, sensing, navigation, and controls to enable such operations. Since these missions are complex and the drones are small, they are used in mission-specific roles such as autonomous mappers, FPV-operated lead elements, and armed effectors.
  • Dismounted Situational Awareness in the Urban Battlespace Jun 19, 2024Dismounted Situational Awareness in the Urban Battlespace
    Historically, military forces favored open terrain to avoid the defender’s advantages in urban and complex environments. This article explores the critical importance of advanced situational awareness in urban battlespaces, highlighting several innovations that enable dismounted forces to navigate and respond effectively, ensuring mission success and minimizing collateral damage.
  • Giga-PtX Project Visions Eco-friendly, Efficient and War-Ready, Synthetic Fuel Supply Jun 18, 2024Giga-PtX Project Visions Eco-friendly, Efficient and War-Ready, Synthetic Fuel Supply
    Rheinmetall has unveiled the Giga-PtX project, aimed at securing a resilient synthetic fuel supply for military applications. The project envisions a decentralized network of large-scale production plants utilizing hydrogen, CO₂, and renewable energy to produce synthetic fuels. This approach addresses the vulnerability of traditional fossil fuel supply chains in wartime, enhancing combat readiness and sustainability. Cooperating with PtX specialist Ineratec, Rheinmetall’s extensive experience in hydrogen technology underpins the development of efficient, cost-effective solutions for fuel production, crucial for modern military operations. The Giga-PtX project ensures a robust and scalable fuel supply, supporting the operational needs of armed forces.
  • BAE Systems Showcases the MCWS Turret on AMPV Jun 17, 2024BAE Systems Showcases the MCWS Turret on AMPV
    BAE Systems’ fourth Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) prototype is being showcased at Eurosatory this week. Configured with a common top plate, also known as the External Mission Equipment Package (ExMEP), the prototype showcases the vehicle’s ability to integrate capabilities and equipment packages internationally. The new turret uses Oshkosh / Rafael MCWS turret selected by the US Army for the Stryker. BAE Systems has also introduced Elbit Systems UT30 gun turret, Patria’s Nemo mortar turret and Moog Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP) for the CUAS variant.
  • TDW Expands Counter-mobility Capability with PARM NextGen Jun 17, 2024TDW Expands Counter-mobility Capability with PARM NextGen
    TDW is introducing an improved weapon fitted with an RF datalink, which enables remote control over a longer distance (4 km). The remote control is used to arm or disarm the mine, enabling friendly forces to move along roads that are covered by PARM weapons.

Research Focus: Singapore Defense Market

The Singapore Defense Industry Market Opportunities and Entry Strategies, Analyses and Forecasts to 2016

Singapore has the largest defense expenditure in South East Asia, and, in 2008, the country had the world’s fourth-largest per capita defense expenditure, behind only Israel, the US and Oman. The country’s defense expenditure is high due to the small size of the country’s armed forces and consequent ever-present requirement to upgrade the country’s defense equipment and procure advanced technology in order to compensate for the country’s lack of manpower.

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Singapore has the largest defense expenditure in the South East Asian region, and the country’s defense spending is expected to increase substantially by 2016. The country’s defense expenditure is primarily driven by the threat of terrorist organizations such as Jemaah Islamiah, and the country’s focus on the protection of important trade routes, such as the Strait of Singapore and the Strait of Malacca, from the threat of piracy. Singapore’s army is relatively small, resulting in the country using technology as a force multiplier, another factor which increases its defense expenditure. The country’s small size also renders it unable to provide adequate training facilities for its armed forces personnel. As such, the country relocates army training facilities to foreign countries, a decision that creates the need to purchase training stations and detachments overseas.

From 2011 to 2016, (the forecast period), Singapore is expected to invest in advanced technology for its armed forces, including purchases in areas such as such as stealth technology, unmanned technology and precision guided systems. Homeland security expenditure is also expected to increase the demand for CCTV, advanced electronic systems and biometric checking.

As Singapore is investing in advanced technology for its armed forces, it requires technology transfer agreements for all defense procurements in order to ensure future repair and maintenance and to enable the customization of equipment in accordance with the country’s needs. Additionally, Singapore’s FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) policy allows foreign defense companies to establish a fully-owned subsidiary in the country and, in order to further encourage investment, favorable tax laws also exist for foreign companies.

Singapore procures the majority of its defense equipment from foreign companies, with its defense imports driven by the country’s policy of utilizing technology to improve the efficiency of its armed forces. Some of Singapore’s major defense imports include arms, ships, missile systems and armored vehicles. Historically, the largest supplier of arms to Singapore was the US; however, from 2005 to 2010 (the review period), countries such as France and Germany have made substantial inroads into the country’s defense industry.

The Singaporean Government prefers technology transfer agreements for defense equipment acquisitions, and, as a result, this is the most common route for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to enter the domestic defense industry. In order to procure spare parts and other common equipment, the government also has an online portal, the Ministry of Defense Internet Procurement System (MIPS), through which registered suppliers are issued with a smart card, and only such companies are allowed to enter the bidding process for defense equipment. Defense suppliers obtain a smart card through registration with the defense ministry. Additionally, Singapore has devised an innovative procurement method through lease-to-own arrangements, a policy that substantially reduces initial capital investment, gives Singapore early access to advanced defense equipment and reduces Foreign Military Sales (FMS) commission. Foreign OEMs can therefore enter Singapore’s defense industry by offering equipment through lease-to-own arrangements.

Singapore is a relatively small country, with a total land mass of 710 square kilometers. The size of the country limits the land available for the establishment of manufacturing facilities, a factor which acts as a barrier for foreign companies considering investing in Singapore. The country’s declining birth rate, small population and resultant labor shortage also act as barriers to entry. The country’s acute land shortage is reflected by the fact that the Singaporean Government trains military personnel at foreign facilities.

For more information on “The Singapore Defense Industry Market Opportunities and Entry Strategies, Analyses and Forecasts to 2016″ (product ID: # Defense-Update DF0074MR Request for Quotation). The report is available in electronic form from ICD. Single User License costs: $1,250.-

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