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Speech by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Committee of Supply Debate 2013

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Speech by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Committee of Supply Debate 2013 Speech by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Committee of Supply Debate 2013 12 Mar 2013 Madam Chair, first let me thank Members of the House for their very incisive questions and comments, and for their continued support to build up a solid defence for Singapore, Members have asked many difficult questions on wide-ranging topics and I don't think it's possible within the short time that we have to address all the affairs of the world so we will try to address the substantive questions that you've asked. Regional Security Environment Dr Lim Wee Kiak and Ms Ellen Lee asked for an update on the security situation in our region and I think they've summarised it very well. There are increasing tensions in the South and East China Seas. The South China Sea is in our backyard and Singapore will not be able to avoid the consequences if this region becomes more troubled, or worse still, when missteps are made. Further away, as Members have pointed out, North Korea has threatened to void its 1953 armistice agreement with South Korea, after the UN Security Council imposed additional sanctions. Members have touched on the recent intrusion into Sabah by armed followers of the purported heir to the former Sulu Sultanate, and I think this episode reminds us that security challenges can be unpredictable and precipitous. And, no, the Malaysians have not asked for our help, and I think they are well capable of taking care of their defence challenges. Against this backdrop, I think it's more important for us to understand that Asian countries have increased their defence spending. The figures are quite telling. Over the last decade, Asian countries' defence spending rose to US$305 billion, up from US$177 billion before; a 72% increase compared to a 12% increase in Europe over the same time period. Indeed, by one estimate, Asia's military spending is said to have overtaken Europe's in 2012, absolute numbers. And I think some members have rightly pointed out the reason. As economies grow, countries in the region are modernising their militaries, procuring new fighters, submarines, armoured vehicles. And in this context, ASEAN and extra-regional countries must do our utmost to ensure that the region remains peaceful and stable. I think this was the point that Dr Lim Wee Kiak pointed out, especially with US and China. Amid these tensions, MINDEF is working hard within the platforms that members mentioned, the ADMM, (ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting), the ADMM-Plus, the Shangri-La Dialogue, the FPDA (Five Power Defence Arrangements), and other bilateral or multi-lateral platforms, because we want to improve military-to-military relations to build confidence and reduce the risk of miscalculation. Some members have asked for an update on ADMM-Plus. A major effort this year is the disaster relief and military medicine exercise hosted by Brunei, as the chair of ASEAN. I'm happy to report, both US and China are actively contributing to the exercise, and this is occurring amid their leadership renewal. We have actually full support and participation from militaries of 18- nations, 10 plus 8. This is very encouraging because it strengthens the ADMM-Plus as a platform for strategic dialogue and practical cooperation. A Capable, Professional and Modernised SAFThe point is that as a small country, Singapore's external environment sets our defence posture. Asia's defence spending on the whole, as I have cited, has risen considerably. Singapore is monitoring this trend closely, but for now, I think we can continue to avoid sharp increases or dips in our own defence spending. This is the most effective way in stretching each defence dollar as it allows MINDEF to plan long term. Dr Lim Wee Kiak said we have the larger share in terms of resources, whether it is manpower or finances, and we agree and we recognise it. But steady defence spending allows MINDEF to plan long term and avoid the disruptive changes arising from fluctuating expenditure year to year. And this is why MINDEF is able to make opportunity buys for strategic assets in the past, and optimise our training systems. Because we can plan longer term. Our defence expenditure, including this year's, has grown steadily in nominal terms but kept pace more or less in real terms - by about 4% nominal growth annually, on average, over the last decade. Madam Chair, the SAF has come a long way since it was stood up. Then, when the SAF was stood up, we had only two infantry battalions, a couple of naval patrol craft that we inherited from the British, and no air force to speak of. Today, the SAF is a professional and integrated defence force capable of responding to a range of traditional and unconventional threats. Jane's Defence Weekly, I think Ms Sylvia Lim mentioned this reputable defence publication, and it is reputable, commented that "the SAF of today is by far the most advanced military force in Southeast Asia." This was not achieved overnight. It is the result of a steady commitment to defence and 45 years of National Service, which Mr Ong Teng Koon highlighted. The success and progress of the SAF has been built through sweat and sacrifices of committed National Servicemen led by bright, dedicated and capable commanders. I fully recognise that the SAF takes its fair, and some say unfair, share of bright people. And long may it be so because it is important. The SAF leverages on advanced technology to modernise our equipment and systems, to multiply our capabilities. There are three crucial factors - steady, prudent defence spending; capable and committed SAF soldiers; the use of advanced technology. These three crucial factors have allowed us to build a credible defence force despite the unique vulnerabilities of a small country. When we started, no one believed we could build a credible defence force. These are the reasons why our frigates can operate with only 70 men, half that in other navies. Or why our High Mobility Artillery Rocket System needs a crew of only three men, compared to eight for other artillery systems which are shorter ranged and less accurate. Investing steadily over the long-term allows MINDEF to keep a constant lookout for platforms with cutting-edge capabilities that can provide Singapore with that strategic advantage. For this reason, we joined the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Programme as a Security Cooperation Participant (SCP) back in 2004. The JSF, as some members know, now the F-35, has the potential to be the most advanced multi-role fighter aircraft for decades to come.Though the F-35 aircraft is still in development, we are nonetheless interested in the platform for our future needs. The F-35 will be the vanguard of next generation fighter aircraft when operational. Our F-5s are nearing the end of their operational life and our F-16s are at their mid-way mark. For the longer term, the RSAF has identified the F-35 as a suitable aircraft to further modernise our fighter fleet. We are now in the final stages of evaluating the F-35. So in the interest of transparency, I'm telling you we're now in the final stages of evaluating the F-35. MINDEF will have to be satisfied that this state-of-the-art multi-role fighter meets our long-term needs, is on track to be operationally capable and, most importantly, is a cost-effective platform. I've given many necessary caveats before we make a final decision, but we are evaluating the platform. Again planning ahead, MINDEF is also looking to replace our ageing Challenger-class submarines, which were built in the 1960s. The replacement submarines will have significantly improved capabilities and will enhance our ability to keep our sea lines of communication safe. Our plans for new fighters, submarines, the Army's recently operationalised Leopard tanks and Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicles, the Air Force's G550 Airborne Early Warning Aircraft and the Navy's Formidable-class frigates with their Sikorsky naval helicopters - taken together - will ensure that the SAF remains a credible and effective force to serve our defence needs for the next decade or two. But, many members here have said this and I agree with them, even if we have the most sophisticated platforms and systems, ultimately our defences are only as strong as the resolve and the commitment of our people to defend Singapore and our way of life. In fact, I think we ought to be wary of complacency because we have a technologically advanced SAF. Because the temptation is always that because it's so sophisticated, you don't need the man in the loop. And that would be a tragic and costly mistake. Or to think that the peace in our neighbourhood is a given. The security in our region can turn unpredictably. A decade ago, no one could predict that the territorial disputes would escalate tensions in the South China Sea, or that a few hundred gunmen with rifles and grenade launchers would intrude into eastern Sabah. My family and I spent a nice holiday in Sabah one or two years ago. Idyllic. From mountain to sea in two hours. The base camp of Kota Kinabalu, very tranquil. The best goreng pisang I've tasted in a long time because they use a special kind of banana. Mee Goreng also, as you say, very sedap. Then you take a ride to the sea, world heritage sites, you can dive from the shore, natural corals.
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