Singapore Deploys MBDA’s Aster 30 Air-Defense Missile

The Aster 30 medium-range air-defense missile (highlighted in red) is shown to have attained operational status in this graphic released March 2 by Singapore’s Ministry of Defence, five years after it placed an order. (image : Sing MoD)

Singapore has announced for the first time that it has operationally deployed the MBDA Aster 30 air defense system that it had ordered at the end of summer 2013. This is the first time that the ground-launched version of the Aster medium-range missile is deployed by a non-European nation.

Singapore Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen confirmed the delivery of the system in a speech to Parliament’s defense committee on March 2.

Ng Eng Hen had first announced the Aster’s acquisition decision in September 2013 to replace the aging American Hawk system acquired more than thirty years ago.

At the time, replying to a Parliamentary question, said “I would like to announce today that the SAF will also be acquiring the ASTER-30 Surface-to-Air Missile System. This missile defence system against airborne threats is used by advanced militaries such as France and Italy. The ASTER-30's capabilities are many times more potent than our current I-HAWK ground-based air defence system.

“The ASTER will allow us to engage multiple threats simultaneously and from a longer distance. It will complement the [Israel Aerospace Industries] SPYDER, which we have already operationalised - it is a mobile, shorter-range, quick reaction ground-based air defence system - and together, they will provide a layered air defence shield.

A fact sheet on the Aster 30 was published at the same time on the Singapore defense ministry’s website.

Also at the time, the CEO of European missile maker MBDA, Antoine Bouvier, noted that the Aster 30 had been selected over competing American and Israeli systems thanks to its "performance" and "price."

“Our skies will be better protected with advanced weapon systems,” Ng said March 2, adding that “We also recently added the ASTER-30 surface-to-air missile system.” The Aster 30 is also included in an infographic illustrating the most capable in-service weapon systems.

Although the Aster 30 was only recently delivered, it would likely already be part of the Air Force Island Air Defense (IAD) system of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). The IAD network, covering the whole of Singapore (42 kilometers long and 23 kilometers wide), connects all RSAF weapons and air defense sensors, including fighters, air-to-surface systems and radar.

The Aster 30 missile system is operated by a single unit, 163 Squadron.

Singapore Technologies Unveils 6x6 Jaeger UGV

The Jaeger 6x6 can be configured for a number of roles, such as with this surveillance mission fit. (photo : ST Engineering)

Singapore Technologies Kinetics has revealed a 6x6 variant of its Jaeger multirole unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) at the Singapore Airshow 2018.

The skid-steer, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) weighs 730 kg and can carry a payload of 250 kg. Power is provided by a hybrid-electric propulsion system (lithium-ion battery and diesel generator). A fully loaded Jaeger 6x6 is capable of travelling at speeds of up to 16 km/h for as long as four hours in electric drive mode, but its endurance can be extended to 24 hours with onboard charging via the generator.The Jaeger can be controlled using two methods: line-of-sight direct tele-operation via a portable control unit with an approximate range of 1 km, or semi-autonomous navigation using a combination of 2D LiDAR and GPS for obstacle avoidance and navigation respectively.

Israel’s Automotive Robotic Industry (ARI) provides the base platform in the form of its AMSTAF vehicle, while ST Kinetics and ARI jointly develop the robotic aspect.

A number of mission fits are available for the UGV, including a remote weapon station, mast-mounted electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) payload for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) missions, stretchers for medical evacuation, and a communications relay package. The vehicle’s payload bay can also be utilised for carrying other equipment and stores.

Singapore quietly delivers earthquake relief aid to Taiwan

Beautiful, powerful and thrilling display by Republic of Singapore AF with the F-15SG 50th anniversary livery

Beautiful, powerful and thrilling display by @TheRSAF with the F-15SG 50th anniversary livery. #RSAF50 #SGAirshow pic.twitter.com/oalmn0pA8c

— The Boeing Company (@Boeing) February 7, 2018

President Halimah Yacob has just launched our #RSAF50 celebrations and unveiled our much-awaited commemorative RSAF50-themed F-15SG!#SGAirshow pic.twitter.com/WNd9HOZPwH

— The RSAF (@TheRSAF) February 7, 2018

New Airbus A330/MRTT034, EC332, at Eindhoven for Singapore Air Force

Singapore DSO National Labs' projects, coupling a UAV and a UGV

If you see a "bird" being launched from a car without a driver, do not be alarmed! It is one of #DSONationalLabs' projects, coupling a #UAV and a #UGV. Their Robotics Lab is a specialised facility where engineers and scientists from different disciplines can meet. Here's a video. pic.twitter.com/cxpJkCWFVv

— Ng Eng Hen (@Ng_Eng_Hen) January 9, 2018

Singapore Reveals Delivery Date for First Airbus Tanker

Singapore will take delivery of its first Airbus Defence and Space A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport later this year, as the country’s Air Force celebrates its 50th anniversary.

According to a news release issued by Singapore’s Defence Ministry detailing events and activities that the Republic of Singapore Air Force will hold to mark the anniversary, the A330 MRTT will make its first public appearance at a parade on Sept. 1, the date the service was formed in 1968 as the Singapore Air Defence Command.

Am Air Force spokesperson told Defense News that the exact date of the aircraft’s arrival is still being finalized and more details will be announced closer to the event.

The latest photos of the aircraft — taken at Toulouse, France, in November 2017 during the testing and evaluation phase following the conversion to the tanker configuration — show it still in its tan primer and not yet painted in the Air Force’s colors.

Singapore announced its order of six A330 MRTTs in March 2014 to recapitalize its fleet of midair refueling tankers. The Air Force currently operates a fleet of four Boeing KC-135R Stratotankers, acquired and refurbished in 2000 from stored ex-U.S. Air Force airframes.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force also has about five of its 10 Lockheed Martin C-130B/H Hercules airlifters plumbed for the tanker role, although they are no longer used in this role, as the Air Force currently does not operate aircraft equipped for refueling by probe.

The first Air Force A330 MRTT will be delivered in what is known as the MRTT Enhanced configuration, featuring a package of aerodynamic improvements, structural modifications and avionics updates over the previous baseline military variant. France and South Korea will also be receiving their A330 MRTTs in this standard.

Singapore Follow Support Peace Carvin V F-15 Training Detachment

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Singapore for GBU-10 Paveway II Laser Guided Bomb (LGB) units; GBU-12 Paveway II LGB units; and FMU-152 or FMU-139D/B fuzes for an estimated cost of $415 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Singapore has requested to purchase forty (40) GBU-10 Paveway II Laser Guided Bomb (LGB) units, consisting of: MXU-651B/B Air Foil Groups (AFG), MAU-209C/B or MAU-169L/B Computer Control Groups (CCG), MK-84 or BLU-117B/B bomb bodies; eighty four (84) GBU-12 Paveway II LGB units, consisting of: MXU-650C/B AFG, MAU-209C/B or MAU-168L/B CCGs, MK-82 or BLU-111B/B bomb bodies; and sixty (60) FMU-152 or FMU-139D/B fuzes. Also included are AIM-120 Telemetry Kits; target drones; High-Bandwidth Compact Telemetry Module kits; exercise participation support; weapons, Electronic Combat International Security Assistance Program (ECISAP), and systems support; medical support; vehicle and ferry support; airlift and aerial refueling; individual equipment; maintenance, spare and repair parts; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor, logistics, and technical support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $415 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a critical regional partner that has been, and continues to be, an important force for economic progress in Southeast Asia.

This potential sale will continue to improve Singapore’s ability to develop mission-ready and experienced pilots to support its F-15 aircraft inventory. The well-established pilot proficiency training program at Mountain Home Air Force Base will support professional interaction and enhance operational interoperability with U.S. Forces. Singapore will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and support into its armed forces.

Singapore Commissions Two Littoral Mission Vessels (LMV)

Singapore's Seaward Defence Strengthened with Commissioning of Two New Littoral Mission Vessels

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated at the commissioning ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs) RSS Sovereignty and RSS Unity at RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base today. The commissioning of RSS Sovereignty and RSS Unity marks a significant milestone in the RSN's continued transformation to strengthen its capabilities, as the two LMVs join the rest of the Navy to safeguard Singapore's waters, protect its sea lines of communication and contribute to regional peace and security.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Ng highlighted the need to adapt and prepare for future challenges as the range of threats and spectrum of missions have expanded. He said, "Today, the RSN already contributes to regional and global security efforts… Going forward, the demands on our RSN will increase. Part of this reflects both the rising trade as well as the military build-up of regional navies in our surrounding waters." Dr Ng added that the LMVs are future-ready ships built to respond to these different mission requirements and fulfil the RSN's role in keeping Singapore's sea lines of communication secure and accessible for the nation's economic growth and prosperity. He added,

"The LMVs represent a quantum jump compared to its predecessor, the Fearless-class patrol vessels. Whether it is speed, endurance, anti-air or Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) capabilities, the LMVs outperform by leaps and bounds the Patrol Vessels that were built in the 1990s… With today's commissioning, RSS Sovereignty and RSS Unity will join RSS Independence to expand the range and effectiveness in missions."

Jointly developed by the RSN and the Defence Science and Technology Agency, the Independence-class LMVs are equipped with smarter technology and sharper capabilities to enable the RSN to operate more efficiently and effectively. The network-centric ships possess advanced radars and sensors, as well as a 360 degree out-of-window view and improved sense-making systems to enhance situational awareness and accelerate decision-making. The LMVs also have lethal and non-lethal options to deliver calibrated responses to deter and defend against various threats. Their mission modularity further allows the ships to be configured for a wide spectrum of operations.

RSS Sovereignty and RSS Unity are the second and third ships out of eight LMVs that will replace the ageing Fearless-class Patrol Vessels which have been in service for more than 20 years. The first-of-class LMV RSS Independence was commissioned on 5 May 2017 and the remaining five LMVs are expected to be operational by 2020.

Also present at the ceremony were Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, and senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Singapore Armed Forces.

Singapore Receives Fourth Littoral Mission Vessel

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has taken delivery of its fourth Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV).

The warship, which will be in service as RSS Justice with pennant number 18 once it is commissioned, was handed over by Singapore shipbuilder ST Marine on 31 October, sources close to the matter confirmed with Jane’s on the day after.

Justice , which was launched by ST Marine in March 2017, will now undergo an installation, checkout, integration, and testing (ICIT) phase for various systems on board the ship in the next few months. The platform is currently scheduled for commissioning in 2018.

Justice is part of a contract awarded to ST Marine in January 2013 for eight LMV platforms. The vessels are progressively replacing the RSN's fleet of Fearless-class patrol vessels that have been in service since the mid-1990s. First-of-class LMV, RSS Independence (15) was commissioned in May 2017 and is currently deployed with the RSN’s 182 Squadron as an operational component of the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF’s) Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF).

The LMV platform measures 80 m in length, 12 m in breadth, and has a hull draught of 3 m. Powered by two MTU 20V 4000 M93 engines in a combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) configuration, the 1,250-tonne warship has a top speed in excess of 27 kt and a standard range of 3,500 n miles at 15 kt.

Republic of Singapore Air Force F16 landing at RNZAF Ohakea

Not all Kiwis support Singapore’s deployment of fighters in New Zealand

Singapore has completed its deployment of six F-16D+s to New Zealand’s Ohakea air base on Sept. 25. The local media reported that not all residents living nearby welcome the training exercise.

RSAF F-16s arrived at Ohakea, New Zealand

Singapore's US-based Chinooks to assist in Hurricane Harvey relief operations

Singapore National Day Parade 2017 : Dynamic Defence Display

Singapore Fighter Jets to Train in New Zealand

A Republic of Singapore Air Force flying training exercise hosted by the Royal New Zealand Air Force will take place at the Ohakea Air Force base from 30 August to 25 September, says Defence Minister Mark Mitchell.

Mr Mitchell says the deployment will include six F-16D+ fighter jets, about 110 personnel and associated support equipment. The contingent will be based at Ohakea but will carry out training missions throughout New Zealand, including day and night flying, using New Zealand air weapons ranges, and conducting other training at both high and low altitude.

“Singapore is one of our closest Defence partners. All three Services of the New Zealand Defence Force regularly train and exercise with their Singaporean counterparts, and it will be a pleasure to welcome this group to New Zealand,” Mr Mitchell says.

“Our two countries have an active agreement to explore opportunities for further military co-operation and training and this exercise aligns perfectly with that.”

Mr Mitchell says Singapore has also asked the New Zealand Government to consider accommodating F-15SG fighter jet training at Ohakea long-term.

“At the moment both countries are carrying out a range of studies to enable everyone to make an informed decision on a possible proposal. But we have similar values and it could be a good fit.

“This exercise is timely, in that it will provide valuable data for the process and how basing F15s at Ohakea might work for our Air Force.

“The Government is committed to following a good process and is firmly committed to work closely on this with local communities through their mayors and councils. That engagement has already begun.

“There is a lot of work to be done before the possibility could come to fruition and I look forward to a productive partnership with local government in that work,” Mr Mitchell says.

Singapore and Malaysian Navies Conclude Bilateral Maritime Exercise

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) participated in Exercise Malapura, a bilateral maritime exercise, from 18 to 28 July 2017. The opening ceremony, held on 19 July, was officiated by RSN Fleet Commander Rear-Admiral Cheong Kwok Chien and RMN Western Fleet Commander Vice-Admiral Dato' Mohamad Roslan bin Mohamad Ramli. The closing ceremony was held earlier today at the RSN's Fleet Command Building in RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base.

Conducted since 1984, this year's exercise was hosted by the RMN and involved about 600 personnel from both navies. The participants carried out joint planning and training at Lumut Naval Base, and conducted conventional naval warfare and maritime security drills in the Malacca Strait. The RSN participated with a frigate (RSS Formidable), a missile corvette (RSS Victory), a patrol vessel (RSS Resilience) and a Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter. The RMN was represented by a frigate (KD Lekiu), a corvette (KD Kasturi), a patrol vessel (KD Selangor) and a Super Lynx helicopter.

Speaking on the successful completion of the exercise, Commander of the RSN Task Group, Colonel Anthony Lee said, "The good mutual understanding between our sailors was key to the successful conduct of this exercise. Both navies demonstrated high levels of interoperability during shore planning and various warfare serials at sea. This is testament of the good friendships and trust that have been forged over the years."


The RSN and RMN interact regularly across a wide range of activities. These include professional exchanges and courses, as well as multilateral activities under the ambit of the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)/ADMM-Plus. The two navies have also been working closely to enhance maritime security through the Malacca Straits Patrol. These regular interactions strengthen mutual understanding and professional ties among the personnel of both navies, and underscore the warm and long-standing defence ties between both navies.

Boeing Completes Deliveries of F-15SG Jets to Singapore

Boeing has completed the delivery of eight more F-15SG Eagle multirole fighter jets to Singapore, according to data from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.

The FAA’s website showed that the last of eight F-15SGs on its civil register had its registration canceled in the middle of June, with export being listed the reason for cancellation and its destination listed as Singapore.

This last aircraft, with the FAA registration N361SG/05-8361, was classified as an experimental aircraft in its registration details under the categories of research and development as well as crew training. It is the only one of the eight to be classified as such, and had been noted to be flying over Boeing’s facilities in St Louis, Missouri, as far back as September 2016.

The reason for this classification is unknown; however, the FAA defines its research and development classification as “to conduct aircraft operations as a matter of research or to determine if an idea warrants further development. Typical uses for this certificate include new equipment installations, operating techniques, or new uses for aircraft,” while crew training is for aircraft that are used “for training the applicant’s flight crews in experimental aircraft for subsequent operation of aircraft being flight tested in type certificate programs or for production flight testing”.


These eight F-15SGs on the FAA’s database were first registered in mid-2014 by Boeing. Deliveries of these aircraft began in early 2016, with the first aircraft seen in April at the Republic of Singapore Air Force's training detachment at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.

It's unknown why Boeing registered the military F-15SGs on the FAA’s civil aircraft database, with a source having suggested to Defense News that it may be due to the aircraft being acquired by Singapore under a Direct Commercial Sales contract with Boeing, although previous batches of Singapore’s F-15SGs and military aircraft for other countries acquired under similar contracts were not placed on the FAA register.

When asked, Boeing referred Defense News to Singapore’s Defence Ministry, which in turn declined to confirm if Singapore has taken delivery of the jets, citing operational security.

Singapore, which is very secretive regarding its military, has also not disclosed the number of F-15SGs it has acquired, although a count of the airframes seen so far would indicate that it has 40 aircraft if these latest eight are included.

The F-15SG is one of the most advanced F-15 models currently in service, being equipped with the Raytheon AN/APG-63(v)3 active electronically scanned array radar and Lockheed Martin’s Sniper targeting pod.

Singapore also flies 60 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 52 fighters that are currently being upgraded with AESA radars and new mission computers, and is a partner in the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program, although it has not committed to any orders.

Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Celebrates 50 Years of National Service

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) commemorated SAF Day at a parade officiated by President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the SAFTI Military Institute this evening.

More than 3,000 SAF Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen), full-time National Servicemen and Regulars attended the parade. Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Perry Lim led SAF personnel in reciting the SAF pledge to reaffirm their loyalty to the country and their commitment to the defence of Singapore. This year's parade also marked 50 years of National Service and featured an NSman parade commander, Lieutenant Colonel (NS) Tan Teng Kwee.

At the parade, President Tan presented the State Colours to this year's Best Combat Unit, 1st Commando Battalion, while Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the Best Unit and Best National Service Unit awards to 29 SAF units.

Also present at the parade were Minister in Prime Minister's Office Mr Chan Chun Sing, Second Minister for Defence Mr Ong Ye Kung and Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman.

Singapore National Day flypast rehearsal

Singapore National Day flypast rehearsal seen from @IISS_org office just now pic.twitter.com/MqeEjYLBwU

— Tim Huxley (@DrTimHuxley) July 2, 2017