Singapore plans multiple rocket launcher, IFV acquisitions

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Red

New Member
Singapore military ties with Thailand are excellent; much much better than Malaysia. The level of suspicion and the potential animosity just is`nt there. Hence, it is not surprising Singapore trains in various parts of Thailand. The topography in Thailand is not much different from Singapore and it is very useful for training.

At the same time, Singapore is also active in Thai military modernization plans with upgrade proposals for Thai F16s, new LPDs, etc. It seems that the Thais are keen on the Endurance LPD platform. SAR-21 rifles are also in used by certain Thai units. Im sure ST would want to expand the market further in Thailand.

The SG defence policy has evolved into a more flexible focus which no longer assumes any specific adversary unlike the 70/80s where the adversary focus was very much on Vietnam. I think it is also a reflection of ever-changing geo-politique realities.
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There are specific potential enemies and there are potential enemies. Vietnam was on the radar screen. Never the main focus.

In addition, I think a lot of the ideas about the movement of Singaporean forces come from Tim Huxley`s book. Quite a lot are speculative unfortunately.

Chino has summed it up quite well. The SAF will do whatever it can to secure the main island of Singapore. But it doesn`t automatically mean protecting Malaysian interests or anyone else for that matter. The SAF does`nt exist to protect Malaysia. Vice-Versa.
 
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Red

New Member
Anyway, Singapore`s military budget has been raised again this year. Around $10.8 billion Sg dollars or $7.8 billon US dollars. Was $ 7.1 billion Us dollars last year.
 
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Schumacher

New Member
Red said:
Singapore military ties with Thailand are excellent; much much better than Malaysia. The level of suspicion and the potential animosity just is`nt there. Hence, it is not surprising Singapore trains in various parts of Thailand. The topography in Thailand is not much different from Singapore and it is very useful for training.

At the same time, Singapore is also active in Thai military modernization plans with upgrade proposals for Thai F16s, new LPDs, etc. It seems that the Thais are keen on the Endurance LPD platform. SAR-21 rifles are also in used by certain Thai units. Im sure ST would want to expand the market further in Thailand.
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Yup, looks like most aspects of the relationship is now back on track with the new pro-Thaksin government back in power.
 
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Pert

New Member
Red said:
IMO, turn the statement around by saying that the neighbours have failed to be better in the fields that matter. Get out of the country versus country mode and read the rules.

To the contrary, Singapore`s main infrastructures are hardened for massive bombing and such and the same cannot be said of Singapore`s neighbours. There`s a relatively modern war bunker less than 100 metres from where im typing this.

No one can win anything by defence alone. Every country will do what it can to sustain herself.
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dude, do you think you are one of the citizen who can simply enter the bunker?
how much SG population, 4millions++ right? how big the bunker? not more 50k people can enter this "powerful" bunker..who do you thing the SAF will give the priority to enter?Minister and family,expatriates, businessman, high rank military personal and family,bla,bla,bla.:eek:nfloorl: to protect all Singaporean, SAF have to build underground bunker almost entire Singapore..
this is one of the bad effect when one country too much rely on technology. im afraid you are too optimist just because your "sure win" calculation on the paper rather than many factor in war...
actually it is good to be neutral in this forum...dont just stress on your advantages, you cant see your weaknesses...
peace to SEA country!
 
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Pert

New Member
Red said:
IMO, turn the statement around by saying that the neighbours have failed to be better in the fields that matter. Get out of the country versus country mode and read the rules.

To the contrary, Singapore`s main infrastructures are hardened for massive bombing and such and the same cannot be said of Singapore`s neighbours. There`s a relatively modern war bunker less than 100 metres from where im typing this.
No one can win anything by defence alone. Every country will do what it can to sustain herself.
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dude, do you think you are one of the citizen who can simply enter the bunker?
how much SG population, 4millions++ right? how big the bunker? not more 50k people can enter this "powerful" bunker..who do you thing the SAF will give the priority to enter?Minister and family,expatriates, businessman, high rank military personal and family,bla,bla,bla.:eek:nfloorl: to protect all Singaporean, SAF have to build underground bunker almost entire Singapore..
this is one of the bad effect when one country too much rely on technology. im afraid you are too optimist just because your "sure win" calculation on the paper rather than many factor in war...
actually it is good to be neutral in this forum...dont just stress on your advantages, you cant see your weaknesses...
peace to SEA country!
 
C

Chino

Defense Professional
Verified Defense Pro
weasel1962 said:
The likelihood of another amphibious landing in MY is v. low considering the agm/asm ability of the RSAF, the RMAF and the amphibious capabilities of surrounding neighbours.
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Honestly, and with respect... it is a very common assumption especially among us Singaporeans that just because we have this/that, plus the potential threat do not have this/that... so therefore such and such a threat scenario is low or unlikely.

This is especially alarming because the Brits also thought the same circa WW2 - that Singapore won't/cannot be invaded and that the Japs in particular, cannot hack it.

History have consistently provided much evidence to the contrary. Just because you have this/that weapons, even if you knew EXACTLY when and where they are coming, is NEVER a guarantee they won't succeed.

Especially after the escape of JI terrorist and the subsequent FAILURE to find him on our tiny little island by the vaunted Gurkhas, SAF and Singapore Pigs Force, surely we should be less confident and complacent about our alleged capabilities?

Another telling incident is that of our super hi-tech patrol craft being accidentally rammed by a Indon freighter while guarding a disputed islet several years ago. Our Navy personnel are so friggin' inept they can't even see or take appropriate evasive action against a big passing freighter. What chance do we stand against a determined invader?

Sorry, Weasel and all Singaporeans, our military is just for show. The sooner we admit this, the sooner we can improve.

weasel1962 said:
The SG defence policy has evolved into a more flexible focus which no longer assumes any specific adversary unlike the 70/80s where the adversary focus was very much on Vietnam. I think it is also a reflection of ever-changing geo-politique realities.
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Yes, during my time in Brigade S2 from '83 - '85 our imaginary enemy for exercise purpose was the Vietnamese though they were not mentioned by name. We had a thick field manual with a blue cover - classified only as Restricted - that details their equipment, organization and even the character of certain commanders. That book was so outdated even then. Wonder who the new imaginary enemy for S2 is these days.
 
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cm07

New Member
Pert - All HDB flats comes with a "bomb" shelter though it's misused right now by everyone! Bomb shelters do not just include the stations themselves. Think about what links the stations together!

Weasel - Last time i don my green, the manuals have been updated 200X. It was recent enough for the exercise to be a tough one.

Chino - Now they are all green covered. I did read some blue covered ones, but they were really old manuals which were signed up for burning :p. Enemy status has been updated - newer equipment, more equipment, upgraded equipment.
 
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Chino

Defense Professional
Verified Defense Pro
cm07 said:
Chino - Now they are all green covered. I did read some blue covered ones, but they were really old manuals which were signed up for burning :p. Enemy status has been updated - newer equipment, more equipment, upgraded equipment.
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Hehe, logically a field manual on OPFOR should be red cover, but red is reserved for "secret" classification.

Green is for "confidential" and blue for "restricted".
 
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Red

New Member
Difference due to exchange rates. S$10.58bil last year. As a % of GDP, the 2008 expenditure is lower.

I think the Govt will take the opportunity to hedge for the next F-15 purchase. Its already a 10% discount from last year.

The next major procurement could involve the 31 AS332L1 super pumas. The bulk of these are 20+ years already.

I wonder if the RSAF will go full CH-47 fleet, adopt the blackhawk, EH101 or NH-90 or just maintain with new cougars?
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It is still a monetary increase of $724,821,000 SG dollars.This excludes the strengthening of the Singapore dollar versus the Us dollar which makes it sweeter of course.

I heard that Boeing is offering Singapore 20 more F15SGs at a discount because S.K will be buying just 20 more F15Ks instead of the original 40 additional F15Ks. So Boeing gets thier 40 additional F15s sold eventually. However, this is just speculation.

It was reported in the latest DTI by Aviationweek that Singapore is interested in the latest CH47f;

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aw/dti0408/

page 28

Singapore currently operates around 34 Cougars and 18-20 Chinooks transport helicopters. The Cougars are performing wonderfully as compared to some other helicopters in Asia in spite of thier age. Great record. They still look brand new. And they are operating all over the place; including deployment to other countries for training, exercises and deployments. Blackhawks look nice and reliable replacements for the Cougars/Super Pumas. But imho this is not really a priority. The Cougars are still good. We might get more Chinooks though.
 
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Red

New Member
Honestly, and with respect... it is a very common assumption especially among us Singaporeans that just because we have this/that, plus the potential threat do not have this/that... so therefore such and such a threat scenario is low or unlikely
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I agree to a certain extent Chino. A by product of our recent successes. However, I also believe that we do prepare for the differing eventualities and are aware of the such possibilities. If anything, the training I have got has made me more circumspect of the goals we want to achieve and the goals potential enemies want to achieve. It goes both ways.

However, I do not believe our forces are just for show. So, I disagree with you on that score. There is a lot to defend for what I have contributed here and the same goes with my buddies I have here. There will always be critics however.

That's the point of having regulars in the RSAF. There will be odd incidents like the courageous PV incident but the capabilities are now more in the equipment than in the personnel itself (compared to the 70s/80s).

The fact is that everyone has its share of incidents even the Japanese recently with the fishing boat collision or US sub captain hitting underwater mountain.
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Some of the NS officers are better than some of the regular officers. Anyway, you`re right there Weasel. Some armed forces with more professional soldiers have an even worser record. Par the course. Accidents happen. It`s not like they happen every other month or year or decade.
 
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cm07

New Member
Too much stuff = overload = troops on wheels = more logistics and fuel headaches? Maybe this is the reason why we arent set on the future infantry yet. Remember our armoured 5 ton?
 
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cm07

New Member
I think if you are referring to the local market, it's been cornered. On the other note: resistant to RPG? that's alot of armour unless you are talking about using slat. Considering that the civilian resources will beused to support the back end of logistics, it shouldnt require too much of armour to bog them down
 
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SGMilitary

New Member
Has the SAF ink the deal on HIMARS?

Between, what are the total units of Leopard 2A4 MBT's does the SAF

procured?

Are there plans to upgrade her current BX1 vehicles to BXII standards?

Anyone has any links to the above?

Many thanks!

Cheers!
 
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