Progress of Key Singapore Armed Forces Projects

01 Juli 2020

Singapore's Type 218SG (Invincible-class) submarine (image : Sing MoD)

Aster-30 Missile System

The RSAF's Aster-30 missile system will be stood up for 24/7 operations in the coming months. The Aster-30 missile system is a Medium-range Surface-to-Air Missile (MSAM) system capable of engaging and intercepting a wide spectrum of air threats ranging from fighter aircraft to UAVs and precision-guided munitions. It will replace the I-HAWK system and strengthen our Island Air Defence system.

A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport

The A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), the RSAF's next generation tanker aircraft, is set to achieve Full Operational Capability in the next few months. Besides providing air-to-air refuelling capabilities, the MRTT can airlift cargo loads and also be equipped with medical equipment for aero-medical evacuation missions.

F-35 Joint Strike Fighter

The Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the acquisition of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighters (JSFs) was signed in March 2020. The four F-35Bs are still expected to be delivered around 2026 and will be deployed in continental US for training and in-depth evaluation. The F-35 JSF will replace the F-16 fighter aircraft, which will be progressively retired post-2030. MINDEF will evaluate the F-35 JSF fully before deciding to commit on a further eight.

H225M Medium Lift Helicopter and CH-47F Heavy Lift Helicopter

Due to supply chain disruptions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the H225M Medium Lift Helicopter and the CH-47F Heavy Lift Helicopter will be delivered from early 2021 onwards instead of the previously projected end-2020. The H225M and CH-47F helicopters will replace the existing Super Pumas and older Chinooks which are facing obsolescence. Both helicopters possess better lift and reach capabilities, and will enable the RSAF to meet the SAF's lift requirements more efficiently with fewer helicopters and less manpower.

Invincible-Class Submarines

Due to supply chain disruptions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the first Invincible-class submarine is expected to be delivered to Singapore by 2022, instead of the previously projected 2021. The Invincible-class submarines are designed for operations in Singapore's shallow and busy tropical waters. Customised to Singapore's needs, the new submarines possess longer endurance and can carry higher payloads.

Multi-Role Combat Vessel

The replacement of the RSN's Victory-class Missile Corvettes with the Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCVs) is proceeding as planned, with six MRCVs expected to be delivered by 2030. The MRCV employs key technologies such as configurable modular payloads and unmanned systems, allowing the vessel to function as a "mothership" for unmanned drones and vessels to conduct a range of missions from peace to war.

Training Projects

Fighter Training Detachment in Guam

The establishment of an RSAF Fighter Training Detachment (FTD) at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam is progressing well with no major delays expected. The FTD, expected to be completed by 2029, will allow the RSAF to conduct larger scale, more complex and realistic training to hone its operational capabilities.

Joint Development of Training Areas and Training Facilities in Queensland, Australia

Major construction for the expanded Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA), including for key training facilities such as the Combined Arms Air-Land Ranges and the Urban Operations Live-Firing Facilities, is on track to commence later this year. Under the Singapore-Australia Treaty on Military Training and Training Area Development in Australia, both countries will jointly develop military training areas and facilities in an expanded SWBTA and the new Greenvale Training Area (GVTA) in Queensland, Australia. The expanded SWBTA and the GVTA are expected to be completed by 2024 and 2028 respectively.

SAFTI City

Construction of SAFTI City was suspended during the circuit breaker period. This will result in an estimated six to nine months delay, with expected completion of the project pushed to 2024 from the earlier projected 2023. SAFTI City, jointly developed by the Singapore Army and the Defence Science and Technology Agency, will provide a realistic urban environment for soldiers to train for homeland security and urban operations when completed. SAFTI City will also be a smart facility, leveraging smart technologies to enhance training effectiveness and solders' learning experience.

(Sing Mindef)