Second Archer-Class Submarine Returns to Singapore

The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) second Archer-class submarine, RSS Swordsman, arrived at Changi Naval Base (CNB) from Sweden earlier today. Chief of Navy, Rear-Admiral Ng Chee Peng, and other senior naval officers were present at CNB to witness its return.

Launched in Karlskrona, Sweden, on 20 October 2010, RSS Swordsman is one of two ex-Royal Swedish Navy Västergötland-class submarines that Singapore acquired in 2005. Similar to RSS Archer, the RSN's first Archer-class submarine, RSS Swordsman has been comprehensively upgraded, refurbished and tropicalised to ensure its suitability for operations in local conditions. The crew of RSS Swordsman has also undergone extensive training in Sweden since 2008 to acquire the skill sets needed to operate and maintain the submarine.


RSS Swordsman will join 171 Squadron, under the RSN's Fleet Command, to enhance the RSN's capability in securing the seaward defence of Singapore and protect our vital sea lines of communication.

Singapore and Indian Armies Conduct Artillery Exercise

A combined artillery live-firing was conducted by the Singapore and Indian armies during Exercise Agni Warrior 12 in Devlali, India.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Indian Army (IA) conducted the eighth bilateral artillery exercise, codenamed Exercise Agni Warrior, from 24 Nov to 8 Dec 2012 in Devlali, India. As part of the exercise, the two armies carried out a combined artillery live-firing. The exercise has enhanced mutual understanding and interoperability between the two armies.

Exercise Agni Warrior is conducted under the ambit of the Bilateral Agreement for Joint Army Training and Exercises between both armies. The Agni Warrior series of annual bilateral exercises underscores the warm defence ties between Singapore and India. Apart from bilateral exercises, the SAF and the Indian Armed Forces also interact regularly through visits, courses, seminars and other professional exchanges.

Vietnam-Singapore: dialogue on defense policy

The fifth dialogue on defense policy between Vietnam and Singapore took place from November 19 to 21 in Singapore.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Defense Nguyen Chi Vinh met with the Permanent Secretary of Singapore Ministry of Defence, Chang Chie Foo.

Both parties have sought to strengthen bilateral relations in defense to match the strategic partnership between the two countries, which will be signed in 2013.

On the regional situation, both parties agreed that it remains traditional security challenges such as non-traditional. They stressed that all parties should strive to promote friendship and cooperation to contribute to peace and stability in the world.

They stressed the importance of solidarity and unity among the ASEAN countries to maintain peace and stability in the region, to limit outside influences that are capable of causing divisions intestine within ASEAN, and to strengthen the central role of ASEAN in multinational forums.

Regarding the East Sea, Vietnam and Singapore have found that the ASEAN members and other stakeholders must redouble their efforts to build trust, advancing peaceful measures to resolve disputes gradually based on transparency and respect international law including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS 1982) and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties Orientatale Sea (DOC), and to develop in the short time a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Both parties agreed to strengthen their relations on various levels including the training of personnel, military medicine, the exchange of experiences of participation in international peacekeeping to peace.

The two countries also discussed cooperation in multilateral fora in the region, including the Conference of Defence Ministers of ASEAN (ADMM) and the enlarged conference of this event (ADMM +).

They unanimously stated that these forums whose potentials are important in terms of maintaining the principles of peace, stability, mutual respect, the central role of ASEAN, as well as respect for international law in relationships within this block as in those with non-member countries of ASEAN to solve problems when they arise. AVI-

Singapore and New Zealand navies conduct Exercise Lion Zeal 2012

Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) ships

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) are conducting a joint annual training exercise, Lion Zeal 2012, off the east coast of the North Island, New Zealand.

Hosted by the RNZN, Lion Zeal was established in 1999 and aims to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance interoperability, as well as professionalism between the two navies while maintaining regional security.

During the exercise, personnel will conduct operational planning and tactical drills in maritime operations, including a sea phase for humanitarian and disaster relief missions.

The bilateral exercise involves participation of RSN's Formidable-class stealth frigate RSS Stalwart as well as RNZN's Anzac-class frigate HMNZS Te Kaha (F77) and RNZN replenishment tanker HMNZS Endeavour.

As well as performing professional exchanges in conventional operations at sea and onshore, the naval crew will also conduct anti-air and live firing exercises against a towed air target.

"Our navy's Anzac frigates are a valuable contributor to regional security, so it's important that we work seamlessly with other navies."

TE KAHA's commanding officer commander Jon Beadsmoore said: "I'm looking forward to testing ourselves and increasing interoperability between our two Navies."

"Our navy's Anzac frigates are a valuable contributor to regional security, so it's important that we work seamlessly with other navies."

Following completion of the exercise, TE KAHA is scheduled to undergo a modernisation programme that involves advanced technology upgrades in 2013, Beadsmoore said.

The RSN and the RNZN regularly conduct professional exchanges, visits and multilateral exercises, as part of the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the Western Pacific Naval Symposium.

Singapore and Australia Armies Conduct Bilateral Armour Exercise in Australia

The Singapore and Australian Armies are conducting Exercise Matilda, a bilateral armour exercise, from 15 Sep to 5 Oct 2012 at the Mount Bundey Training Area in Darwin, Australia. Exercise Matilda 2012 comprises operational training as well as professional exchanges between both Armies. About 100 personnel from the 48th Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment (48 SAR) and their Leopard 2SG Main Battle Tanks are involved in a bilateral manoeuvre exercise with their Australian Defence Force counterparts from the 1st Armoured Regiment.

Highlighting the value of Exercise Matilda, Commanding Officer of 48 SAR Major Lim Han Yong said, "Participating in this exercise with the ADF provides our tank commanders and operators an excellent opportunity to sharpen their tank gunnery and manoeuvre skills, and also allows us to exchange professional knowledge with the ADF."

The exercise is a testament to the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Australia. The SAF and the ADF interact extensively through bilateral and multilateral training exercises, visits, professional exchanges and military courses. The two armed forces are also working together in close partnership in the multinational reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.

Singapore and Australian Navies Conduct Maritime Exercise

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) conducted a bilateral maritime exercise, Exercise Singaroo, from 16 to 19 September 2012. The opening ceremony, held on 16 September, was officiated by the Commanding Officer of the RSN’s 188 Squadron, Colonel Alan Goh and RAN Exercise Director Captain Heath J. Robertson.

Hosted by the RAN, the four-day exercise was held off the coast of Darwin where both navies conducted maritime security serials as well as conventional warfare serials against aerial, surface and underwater threats. The RSN participated in the exercise with a Formidable-class frigate, RSS Stalwart, an upgraded Victory-class missile corvette, RSS Valiant, and an F-50 maritime patrol aircraft. The RAN participated with an ANZAC-class frigate, HMAS Warramunga, a Collins-class submarine, HMAS Dechaineux, and several aircraft.

First held in 1995, this year's Exercise Singaroo is the 16th in the series, and aims to enhance interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies. It is one of many bilateral interactions between the Singapore and Australia defence establishments. Both countries enjoy a close and long-standing defence relationship. Apart from exercises, both armed forces also interact frequently through visits, professional exchanges and military courses. Singapore and Australia also work together in close partnership in the multinational reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.

Singapore had Requested Information about the Possible Export of the KC-46 Tanker

Sequestration Threatens Tanker Deal: USAF Official

The U.S. Air Force might have to cancel its contract with Boeing to buy refueling tankers if Congress fails to modify a law mandating federal spending cuts before January, according to a senior service official.

The announcement that the Pentagon might have to cancel the KC-46 contract and renegotiate a multibillion-dollar deal with Boeing is one of the most direct examples of how those budget reductions, know as sequestration, would impact the military.

“I don’t want to break my contract and I’m fearful sequestration may force me to do that,” Maj Gen John Thompson, tanker program executive officer and KC-46 program director, said during a Sept. 18 briefing with reporters at an Air Force Association-sponsored conference in National Harbor, Md.

Since the KC-46 contract award in February 2011, the Air Force has touted its ability to sign a fixed-price development contract for the initial batch of tankers, which are part of a 179-aircraft buy.

“If I have to break my fixed-price contract, then I stand the potential to lose out on some of the great things that we put in this vehicle up front,” Thompson said.

The KC-46 will replace part of the Air Force’s KC-135 Stratotanker fleet.

Earlier this summer, Singapore requested information about the KC-46 aircraft, Thompson said.

Like the U.S. Air Force, the Singapore Air Force flies KC-135 tankers.

Singapore Takes Part in Multilateral Exercise in Australia

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is taking part in a multilateral naval exercise, codenamed Kakadu, off the coast of Darwin, Australia, from 29 Aug to 15 Sep 2012. Hosted by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the exercise aims to enhance interoperability among naval forces in the region.

The RSN's Formidable-class frigate RSS Stalwart, Victory-class missile corvette RSS Valiant and an F-50 maritime patrol aircraft are taking part in the three-week long exercise. They will be conducting anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine exercise serials with warships, a submarine, and aircraft from Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand and Thailand. RSS Stalwart will also for the first time assume the role of Anti-Surface Warfare Commander (ASuWC) for the exercise.


This year's exercise is the 11th in the biennial Kakadu series which was first held in 1993. The exercise provides a valuable opportunity for the navies in the region to strengthen interoperability and enhance confidence building. Exercise Kakadu also underscores the good working relationship and professional cooperation between the RSN and the other naval forces participating in the exercise.

Singapore Training Agreement Under Review

A LONGSTANDING agreement to host the training of Singapore air force helicopter pilots in southern Queensland will be reviewed by a federal parliamentary committee.

Under the agreement first signed in 1997, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) 126 Squadron operates up to 16 Cougar helicopters and has 150 RSAF personnel at the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.

The agreement expires at the end of December and is proposed it be renewed for another 15 years.

"Oakey has hosted Singaporean helicopter squadrons since 1997 and this should help the committee assess the costs and benefits of the agreement," the treaties committee chairman, Labor MP Kelvin Thomson, said in a statement.

The house treaties committee will hold an inquiry into the arrangement in Canberra on Monday.

Asian Defence News

Singapore Armed Forces SAF to hold military exercises from Aug 13

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will be conducting military exercises from 8am on Monday, Aug 13 to 8am on Monday, Aug 20.
Members of the public are to note the following areas marked for training - Seletar, Marsiling, Jalan Bahar, Neo Tiew, Lim Chu Kang, Jalan Kwok Min, Tuas, Upper Jurong, Hong Kah, Ama Keng, Bedok Jetty, Kranji, Lentor, Simpang, Sembawang and Mandai.
Blanks and thunderflashes will be used. The public is advised not to be alarmed and to keep clear of these areas.
Live firing exercises will also be conducted in Pasir Laba (SAFTI) Live Firing Area during this period.

Sea vessels and crafts sailing through the Western Johor Straits during this period are advised to keep within the 75m Navigable Sea Lane and not to stray into the Live Firing Boundary. This is for the public's safety as live ammunition and flares will be used.
The islands of Pulau Sudong, Pulau Senang and Pulau Pawai will also be utilised for live firing exercises daily from Aug 13 to Aug 17 from 7am to 11pm. Live firing exercises will also take place on 8am on Aug 18 to 4am on Aug 19, and from 8am to 12pm on Aug 19.
These islands are proclaimed manoeuvring and firing grounds. The public is advised to keep clear of these islands and the prohibited waters off Changi Naval Base and Tuas Naval Base. Flares will be released during the night firing.
AME will be conducting detonation & burning at Pulau Senang on Aug 18 and 19.

Source
Asian Defence News

ST Aerospace & Alenia Aermacchi Roll Out First M-346 for the RSAF

 enegono Superiore (Varese), Italy  – The first M-346 advanced trainer for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) was rolled out in a ceremony held at Alenia Aermacchi’s plant in Venegono Superiore, Italy.

In September 2010, ST Aerospace, as the prime contractor, teaming with Alenia Aermacchi (a Finmeccanica company) and The Boeing Company, was awarded a contract to supply 12 M-346 aircraft and ground based training system for the RSAF’s Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) programme.

The roll-out ceremony was attended by officials from the RSAF, key representatives from ST Aerospace, The Boeing Company and Alenia Aermacchi, as well as staff representatives involved in the programme. 

                       Alenia Aermacchi will supply 12 M-346 to the RSAF

“We signed the contract less than two years ago and today we have rolled out the first of twelve M-346 aircraft for the RSAF’s Advanced Jet Trainer programme. This is a particularly important moment for our company, a great team job has been achieved in strict collaboration with our industrial counterpart, ST Aerospace, and we are proud to celebrate together with them”. Said Giuseppe GIORDO, Alenia Aermacchi’s CEO.

“The successful rollout of the first M-346 illustrates the firm commitment by ST Aerospace and Alenia Aermacchi, in support of the RSAF’s next generation training needs. Together with our partners we will continue to marry the strengths of one another to deliver an outstanding solution to our customer.” said CHANG Cheow Teck, President, ST Aerospace.

The rollout follows the obtaining of the type certificate and the first flight made by this aircraft in July 2012. The delivery of the first M-346 is scheduled for the end of 2012.

Asian Defence News

Republic of Singapore Navy Conducts Successful Missile Firing

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) conducted a live-firing of the Barak anti-missile missile in the South China Sea earlier today as part of the 18th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise which Singapore is conducting with the United States. The missile was fired by the upgraded RSN missile corvette RSS Victory against an air drone target simulating an attacking profile. The target was successfully destroyed.

Commanding Officer RSS Victory Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Eric Tan Wei Hong said that the exercise was professionally valuable to both the RSN and the United States Navy. "The CARAT exercise allows personnel from both navies to work and interact closely with each other and this has also deepened our
friendship and mutual understanding", said LTC Tan. Commenting on the success of the missile firing, Weapon Systems (Control) Supervisor Military Expert 2 Jeyabal Sundaraju, who fired the Barak missile said, "the realism and tempo of the exercise has been a fruitful experience for me and my team onboard RSS Victory. Our training and preparation ensured that we were ready and we are glad that we have hit the target and achieved mission success."

The firing was witnessed by Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Ng Chee Peng. Similar missile firings have been conducted in previous CARAT exercises. The exercise is presently ongoing and will conclude on 27 Jul 2012. 

Asian Defence News

SAF and TNI Conclude Joint Counter-Terrorism Exercise

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) today concluded a Joint Counter-Terrorism (CT) exercise held in Singapore from 14 to 16 July 2012. Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Neo Kian Hong and Commander-in-Chief of the TNI Admiral (ADM) Agus Suhartono officiated at the closing ceremony at the Lim Chu Kang Training Area this morning. Prior to the closing ceremony, LG Neo and ADM Suhartono observed a combined CT demonstration by participating SAF and TNI troops.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, LG Neo noted that the success of the Joint CT exercise was "due to the collective effort and strong contributions from both militaries". He also added that the Joint CT exercise "is indeed a testament to the depth of our relationship and the familiarity of both armed forces working together". ADM Suhartono also highlighted that the Joint CT exercise has strongly motivated and encouraged the two countries to deeply understand the various aspects of counter-terrorism.

 

About 150 personnel from the SAF and the TNI participated in the three-day exercise, which included professional exchanges and component CT training.

The conduct of this joint CT exercise underscores the excellent and long-standing ties between the Singapore and Indonesian armed forces. Besides bilateral exercises, both militaries also engage in other professional exchanges and cross-attendance of professional courses. These regular interactions have served to enhance the close ties and mutual understanding between personnel of the two armed forces.

Singapore: RSAF launches new Air Imagery Intelligence (UAV) Expert vocation

Newer and more advanced air imagery, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, such as the Heron 1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) System, are able to collect vast volumes of information within a short time.

But information, without analysis, is meaningless. To enable the study of such information for actionable intelligence, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) introduced a new vocation at Chong Pang Camp on 11 Jul.

Known as the Air Imagery Intelligence Expert or AIRIX in short, this new vocation focuses on analysing real-time images collected by the air ISR platforms before passing the findings to relevant agencies for action.

At the AIRIX vocation launch ceremony, 31 RSAF personnel received their AIRIX badges from Chief of Air Force Major-General (MG) Ng Chee Meng, who officiated at the ceremony.

In his speech, Commander of the UAV Command Colonel Tommy Tan explained why UAV Systems Specialists, who operate UAVs, were identified to be the first batch of AIRIX: "This was to capitalise on their existing competencies and rich experiences both in aviation and imagery intelligence."

He continued: "The vocational change entails a shift from aviation-oriented skills to analytical skills that are required of the IMINT (Imagery Intelligence) exploitation professionals."

To the AIRIX, he said: "I hope you will continue to put in great effort to anchor your competencies and more importantly, forge a strong AIRIX identity that each and every one of you can be proud of."

Military Expert (ME) 3 Francis Lim, an Operations Warrant Officer from 116 Squadron, which operates the Hermes 450 UAV, was among the 31 to receive the AIRIX badge.

He elaborated on his change in job scope: "In the past, our job involved flying the UAVs. Now, we won't fly the UAV, but we'll work hand-in-hand with the UAV pilots to convert raw images into useful information, to provide timely and relevant intelligence for our front-end warriors."

Considering it a privilege to be among the pioneers of this new vocation, he said: "I'm looking forward to the job, knowing that I am part of the pioneering batch of AIRIX that will help to realise the full potential of the Air Force."

Read the full story at CyberPioneer

Bronco all terrain tracked carrier ST Kinetics

Bronco all terrain tracked carrier

ST Kinetics - Singapore

The Bronco is supported by a comprehensive Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) system to ensure high operational readiness at all times.

ST Kinetics has also developed the Advanced Proactive Solutions (ALPS) to enhance the ILS system of vehicular platforms.

ALPS has been customised and implemented for the Bronco that are in service.
ALPS include:

• Diagnostic Expert System (DES)
• Electronic manual (EM)
• Computer Based Training (CBT)

Specifications

Length:	8.60 m
Height:	2.20 m
Width over track:	2.30 m
Crew:	16 (6 front + 10 rear)
Maximum road speed:	60 km/h
Swimming speed:	5 km/h
Gradient:	60%
Side slope:	30%
Vertical obstacle:	1 m
Trench:	2 m
Engine:	350 hp at 2400 rpm
Transmission:	fully automatic
Steering system:	hydraulic, articulated
Unladen weight (enclosed):	11200 kg
Unladen weight (flatbed):	10700 kg
Combat payload (enclosed):	4800 kg
Combat payload (flatbed):	5300 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (enclosed):	16000 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (flatbed):	16000 kg