Should the Singapore Armed Forces Continue to Rely on Cutting-Edge

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Should the Singapore Armed Forces Continue to Rely on Cutting-Edge Technology? SHOULD THE SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES CONTINUE TO RELY ON CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY? by ME4 Ratnam Saravanan ABSTRACT In this essay, the writer emphasises the significant role that technology has played and will continue to play, in our lives. For a small nation like Singapore, a cutting-edge technology and technical know-how are important pre- requisites for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to maintain its operational edge. The writer feels that having stringent and robust processes in place to manage the defence budget and long-term planning of the country will ensure its peace and security. In his view, the SAF must continue to find ways to be more cost-effective so that it can focus on future weapons. He believes that with continued emphasis on technology, the SAF will continue to remain relevant and formidable in this region.

Keywords: Force Multiplier; Simulators; Realism; Artificial Intelligence; Virtual Reality

INTRODUCTION Strike Fighter aircraft (JSF) is a game changer as it will change the way the Republic of Singapore Air Force The SAF was established in 1965 to defend the (RSAF) conducts its air operations. The F-35 is capable of Singapore when the British forces left. Under its defence intelligence gathering, perform surveillance, gather policy of deterrence and diplomacy, it has grown from reconnaissance information and, at the same time, just two infantry brigades to an advanced, well- perform Command and Control (C2) functions. The F-35 equipped and capable military in the region with tri- pilot gets all this information even before he takes off as service integration (‘jointness’) and network-centric compared to current fighters.1 It can also share all these capabilities. In its transformation journey, technology with other friendly forces through secure networks by has played a critical role in the SAF’s development and co-ordinating integrated efforts. The Next Generation growth, making it a lethal force in the region. In Armoured Fighting Vehicles (NGAFV) for the Singapore addition, technology has been a force multiplier for the Army, will revolutionise how infantryman fight in the SAF, enabling it to overcome its constraints on land area future and this will enhance the capabilities of the for training and manpower. Without technology, the armoured and mechanised forces.2 They will have more SAF will face constraints on systems that require large protection, the ability to manoeuvre tough terrains and resources. As the SAF actively seeks ways to enhance its will have high situational awareness. The above capabilities by leveraging on technology, it is important capabilities are good examples of force multipliers. to understand why technology is crucial to the SAF. The essay discusses how the SAF leverages on technology to In its transformation journey, overcome its constraints and considers whether the SAF technology has played a critical should continue to invest and leverage on technology even though it is costly. role in the SAF’s development and TECHNOLOGY AND THE SAF growth, making it a lethal force in the region. Technology has always been the SAF’s key consideration in keeping its armed forces modernised Given Singapore’s lack of strategic depth and and advanced as a force multiplier in order to maintain manpower constraints, the SAF has always been keen to a strategic edge in this region. Technology can also be maintain a well-polished military by capitalising on used as a game changer, for example, the F-35 Joint technology. The Productivity and Innovation in Daily

31 Should the Singapore Armed Forces Continue to Rely on Cutting-Edge Technology?

Efforts (PRIDE) movement which kick-started in 1981, emerging technologies to overcome its manpower has reaped many benefits for the SAF. This movement constraints. The announcement of the procurement of has instilled in every SAF personnel the importance of F-35 as the replacement for the F-16 aircraft reaffirms innovation and productivity in the SAF. The SAF has in the SAF’s belief in using high-end technology to recent years, accelerated the innovation drive by overcome its constraints. The F-35 has advanced increased emphasis on innovation and providing safe stealth, integrated avionics, sensor fusion and most havens for experiments. The Ministry of Defence significantly, a superior logistics support system. The (MINDEF) / SAF and the Defence Science and aircraft has many state-of-the-art technologies—one Technology Agency (DSTA) have developed a Live Digital such advanced sensor, the Distributed Aperture System Testbed (LDTB) at Changi Naval Base (CNB) to allow the (DAS), allows the pilot to view 360° around the aircraft 5 design and testing of smart digital solutions.3 Innovation with built-in cameras. Furthermore, with stealth offices are being - set up across the services and technology, the aircraft can fly really close to the target command emphasis is being placed to encourage without being detected. Maintenance activity for innovation across the masses. This is in view of the aircraft defects are traditionally carried out after manpower constraints the SAF is expected to face in the debriefing the pilot after a sortie. However, in the F-35 years to come. case, such things are no longer required, due to it being highly digitised. If there are defects on any components In a media Interview on 1st July, 2016, Minister for on the aircraft, such information is fed to ground Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen said that: "Do more with less stations, which will trigger all essential agencies such as means that the SAF has to work smart, and not only the correct maintenance crew and even trigger the hard. You will have to rely on and use technology as a demand of parts to be replaced. By the time the F-35 critical enabler to be able to respond adequately.”4 lands on the parking site, both the parts and the As mentioned by Dr Ng Eng Hen, it is no secret maintenance crew are ready to rectify the F-35. This will

that the SAF will have to make use of newer and benefit the SAF, as expeditious and appropriate

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The iFMH consolidates the maintenance and repairs of tracked vehicles in one location. The hub can fit up to 26 tracked vehicles. 32 Should the Singapore Armed Forces Continue to Rely on Cutting-Edge Technology? recovery can be directed to the aircraft as it reduces performing visual inspections on aircraft to ensure it is downtime and improves efficiency greatly. The air worthy. In the future, under Smart Air Base maintenance crew replaces the correct parts and is initiatives, sensors and Unmanned Ground Vehicles assured that the defect has been addressed properly, as (UGV) will perform such inspections with better compared to legacy systems where the affected parts accuracy and lesser time.10 Inspections performed by are only replaced after an intense and detailed humans have a tendency for errors such as missing out troubleshooting process. By reducing the checks, fatigue and physiological factors. However, troubleshooting process, the F-35 has created capacity robots and sensors are not affected by such external for the maintenance crew to undertake other tasks. factors and the margin for error is significantly reduced. Definitely, technology can relieve some of the laborious WHY SAF NEEDS TO LEVERAGE ON inspections undertaken by the AFE. Furthermore, the TECHNOLOGY AFE can be reassigned to do other tasks thereby The following paragraphs will explain how the SAF reducing the number of personnel required. overcome its constraints by leveraging on technology, 2. Provide Realistic Training thereby enhancing its force multiplication.

1. Overcome Manpower Constraints “A ‘good enough’ technology With declining fertility rate in Singapore, the in the hands of a superbly number of male citizens eligible for military service is trained soldier generates a expected to reduce significantly in the coming years.6 combat effect far greater than Foreigners are also not allowed to serve in the military a ‘best’ technology in the and the population of females serving in the SAF is small hands of a soldier who does 11 but expected to increase in the future.7 The SAF has not know what to do with it.” seen females commanding combat units and fly combat aircrafts in recent times, as gender is not a limiting Realistic training allows one to see the challenges, factor in the SAF, and it should explore more means to learn to avoid mistakes, improve oneself by overcome its manpower constraints. Leveraging on data understanding his/her weakness, and it becomes analytics, robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the SAF can second nature if performed often. Being a small military be more efficient and effective to overcome its in the region, training realism is important to maintain manpower constraints. the SAF’s operational effectiveness as its well-trained people will be the deciding factor in a conflict. With the The use of smart technology has helped many SAF right technology, providing realistic training to its units recently, especially in manpower savings. The Army’s Integrated Forward Maintenance Hub (iFMH) people is a force multiplier for the SAF. However, where the servicing of tracked vehicles has saved 20% of training areas has always been a challenging issue for manpower, shows that technology is a game changer the SAF to overcome from the beginning. Train as we and means to improve the SAF’s manpower fight and fighting in realistic environment is important constraints.8 Besides saving manpower, the processes to hone the warfighting skills. Conducting integrated also become more efficient and effective. The Republic network-centric exercises need a lot of space and this of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) Littoral Missile Vessel (LMV), can only be carried out overseas to see how the SAF operates with just 23 man as compared with 30 on the fights as one. With the mechanisation of the infantry in Fearless class, made possible by having an Integrated the SAF, there is a need for large manoeuvring areas for Command Centre (ICC), where the Bridge, Combat training. Aircrafts from the RSAF need large training Information Centre (CIC) and Machinery Control Room areas to conduct Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) training. are located. The eight LMVs will do what 11 patrol The waters around Singapore are one of the busiest in vessels did previously and this really helps the Navy the world and this poses a multitude of challenges due cope with the manpower constraints.9 Currently an Air to the need to safely navigate through the congested Force Engineer (AFE) spends six to eight hours a day traffic. Training near our waters is a constant challenge

33 Should the Singapore Armed Forces Continue to Rely on Cutting-Edge Technology? for the RSN, which actively participates in overseas clear the training in a single day as compared to exercises. Although the SAF does a lot of overseas previous times. Technology has reduced the training training, it is still important that we have training areas time and has improved the soldiers’ training or opportunities locally to conduct training. Over- effectiveness. In the Navy, a new training facility reliance on overseas training areas may not be the best recently commissioned called the RSS-Daring-LMV 14 strategy. With technological breakthroughs, the SAF can Simulation Centre, cuts training time by 60%. Using AI now optimise land use by using sensors, data analytics, and Virtual Reality (VR) capabilities, the training can be robotics to maximise the land use to create realistic conducted in a controlled environment, and the scenarios for its soldiers. simulations can be as real as it gets. Investing in training is in fact very important if the SAF wants to maintain a As the RSAF trains globally annually, it has also strategic edge. Providing realistic and quality training increased its simulator trainings. By using simulators, can ensure that the soldier can operate to the best of you can save cost on fuel and reduce the maintenance his ability and is confident of his war-fighting skills. of aircrafts. The simulator's ability to generate complex Therefore, technology has helped the SAF conduct high- operational scenarios enhances the pilot trainees' end training locally, besides honing its skills in 12 situational awareness and skills in aerial tactics. Again, multilateral overseas exercises. technology has helped to create training realism where it is difficult to create in a real environment. Another With technological breakthroughs, good example is the Multi-Mission Range Complex (MMRC) in the SAF.13 An indoor firing range, unaffected the SAF can now optimise land use by Singapore’s unpredictable weather, it improves the by using sensors, data analytics, performance of soldiers by giving them almost instantaneous feedback due to the use of technology. robotics to maximise the land use Day and Night shoots can be carried out on the same to create realistic scenarios for its day within a few hours of each other, thereby reducing soldiers.

logistical burdens. Most importantly, more soldiers can

MINDEF An RSAF serviceman interacting with a visitor at the flight simulator at RSAF50@Heartlands. 34 Should the Singapore Armed Forces Continue to Rely on Cutting-Edge Technology?

3. Protect Against Cyber Threats the technology. Generally, technology will improve As the SAF continues to leverage on technology, it processes and they become more efficient and effective, is also increasingly at risk of cyber attacks. The and, by doing more with little, laborious tasks can be SingHealth cyber attack that happened recently in minimised tremendously—all these improving the work Singapore shows how vulnerable an organisation can be experience of the user. The soldier, sailor and airman when we don’t have proper defence mechanisms in will become more motivated and it will improve their place. Initial investigations revealed that it was morale greatly, which will result in a more committed undertaken by a well-organised group whom soldier, sailor and airman. With a well-educated deliberately organised and carried out the attacks.15 workforce and highly connected generation, it is also There were also attempts to hack into SAF I-Net system important that the SAF keeps up with the latest computer systems in 2017, where it was determined technology in order to keep its workforce engaged. that it was not the work of casual hackers or organised Mobile applications are being developed in the SAF to crime gangs.16 It could be the work of a well-organised allow the personnel to access information through their adversaries. smart phones as the SAF moves to digitise its processes. ‘Smart ICT App’ which will soon be rolled out will enhance the experience of Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) and greatly increase administrative “The next two decades or longer efficiency. Another example is the ‘Camp Companion will not see threats diminish but App’, which will allow entry into camps and provide indeed increase whether it's information such as routine orders and training 19 from conventional threats, programmes. It can even allow personnel to indent maritime threats, terrorist meals and report incidents. These moves are important threats, cyber threats and the and necessary, and besides being more efficient, it will SAF is adapting swiftly to this give the servicemen a positive experience. 17 new threat environment... ” Technology will ultimately shape The formation of the Cyber Security Agency (CSA) in 2015 and most recently the SAF Command, Control, the design of defence Communications and Computer (C4) Command are mechanisms, but they have to be important steps in building up and strengthening our cyber security capabilities and also being a force constantly upgraded in order to multiplier for the SAF. As the SAF modernises even remain relevant. further, the systems will depend more on cyberspace. A comprehensive cyber defence strategy made up of COST OF TECHNOLOGY Fortification, Resiliency and Active Defence are Cutting edge and new emerging technologies will 18 necessary for a robust cyber defence. Technology will be costly due to their in-depth Research and ultimately shape the design of defence mechanisms, but Developmental (R&D) and high start-up costs. They may they have to be constantly upgraded in order to remain cost even more to upkeep and upgrade. New relevant. infrastructure and training are required to increase the competency of the people who will be operating them. 4. The ‘Heartware’ A single F-35A may cost the SAF almost US$90 million, Another important aspect of technology is how it whereas the F-35B may cost US$115.5 million.20 This benefits the general user and how they will adapt to it. excludes the operating cost and infrastructural set up to When implementing technology, we must also address accommodate the new systems that come with it. It is the ‘Heartware’ which is an important proponent of rather a costly endeavour for the SAF. However, the force multiplier. The ‘Heartware’ of technology means consideration of the effectiveness of the fighter jet and looking at how the person or the user will interface with the knowledge that it will enhance the peace and 35

Should the Singapore Armed Forces Continue to Rely on Cutting-Edge Technology?

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With the Smart ICT app, NSmen can better manage their personal schedules around their ICT commitments. security of our country far outweigh the cost factor. 2. Defence Technology Community With its many sensors and highly digitised construct, a (DTC) few F-35 fighters may do the work of many. Since they DTC, a civilian entity in MINDEF which is largely are very advanced and can integrate with other fighting made up of defence experts and engineers, is platforms well, they can influence and give the SAF an responsible to undertake procurement of capabilities operational and combat edge in the battlefield, thereby for the SAF. DTC uses the Defence Capability being an effective game changer. Management (DCM) framework which encompasses of Singapore and MINDEF have sound policies and Capability Development Planning, Delivery and strategies when it comes to defence spending. Efforts Sustainment.22 With clear and well-defined roles and were made to ensure that sufficient funds were responsibilities of various stakeholders, DTC ensures any allocated for its defence expenditure. Singapore and new capability is inducted and operated efficiently. MINDEF have been able to do that due to the following MINDEF has the reputation of being a ‘tough’ customer reasons: as quoted by reputable defence journals such as Janes Defence Weekly and Janes Defence Industry—this will 1. Steady Defence Spending Strategy ensure MINDEF counts every cent. During the early stages, almost a third of the 3. Indigenous Capabilities government spending were used to build up the SAF, but it has slowly declined over the years. MINDEF now To meet the SAF’s unique requirements to maintains a steady defence spending by avoiding sharp operate in our challenging environment, DSTA develops dips and spikes and keeping up with inflation.21 A steady homegrown capabilities in various technologies such as defence spending strategy which plans for long term, Robotics, Data analytics and tailor solutions by enforcing prudency and promoting cost saving initiatives integrating such homegrown capabilities with the (PRIDE Movement) allows MINDEF to keep the SAF well- equipment and systems that we acquire. Having these equipped and high-tech. capabilities allow DSTA to develop systems by making 36 Should the Singapore Armed Forces Continue to Rely on Cutting-Edge Technology? use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment to Singapore, a cutting-edge technology and technical reduce cost and development lead-time.23 Upgrading of know-how are important pre-requisites for the SAF to our weapons systems has also benefitted and save cost maintain its operational edge. Having stringent and for the SAF. robust processes in place to manage the defence budget and long-term planning of the country will ensure its CONCLUSION peace and security. The SAF must continue to find ways to be more cost-effective so that it can focus on future Technology is an important feature of our daily weapons. With a continued emphasis on technology, lives. It has played a key role and will continue to do so the SAF will continue to remain relevant and formidable for many years to come. For a small nation like in this region.

ENDNOTES 1. John A Tirpak, “Two Years On, Goldfein Says Operations Show F-35 a Game-Changer”, Airforce Magazine Published on 20th Aug 2018, http://www.airforcemag.com/Features/Pages/2018/August%202018/Two- Years-On-Goldfein-Says-Operations-Show-F-35-a-Game-Changer.aspx 2. “ST Engineering Next Generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle at Singapore AirShow 2018”, Army Recognition, Published 07 Feb 2018, https://www.armyrecognition.com/singapore_airshow_2018_latest_news/ st_engineering_next_generation_armoured_fighting_vehicle_at_singapore_airshow_2018.html 3. Schonberger“Speech by Senior Minister of State for Defence, Mr Heng Chee How, MINDEF/SAF Digital Inno- vation Day”, MINDEF, Published 15 May 2018, https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/portal/mindef/news-and- events/latest-releases/article-detail/2018/may/15may18_speech 4. Ng Jun Sen, “SAF will overcome manpower issues through technology: Defence Minister”, The New Paper, Published 01 Jul 2016, http://www.asiaone.com/singapore/saf-will-overcome-manpower-issues-through- technology-defence-minister Siegel, Predictive, 49. 5. F-35 Capabilities: “Multi-Mission Capability for Emerging Global Threats”, Lockheed Martin, https:// www.f35.com/about/capabilities 6. Theresa Tan, “Fewer babies born, more deaths last year, as population ageing trend continues”, The Straits Times, Published 12 Jul 2018, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/number-of-births-in-singapore-fell-to- eight-year-low-in-2017 7. Jermyn Chow, Defence Correspondence. “SAF aims to recruit at least 500 more women by 2018”, The Straits Times, Published 21 Jul 2018, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/saf-aims-to-recruit-at-least-500-more -women-by-2018 8. Thrina Tham & Teo Jing Teng, “Doing more with less, SAF plans for smart platforms and tech: Dr Ng” Pioneer, Published 30 Jun 2018, https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/portal/pioneer/article/regular-article-detail/ops- and-training/2018-q2/30jun18_news. 9. MINDEF News Release, Fact Sheet: “Smart Defence Initiatives by the Republic of Singapore Navy”, MINDEF, Published 02 Mar 2018, https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/portal/mindef/news-and-events/latest-releases/ article-detail/2018/march/02mar18_fs5 10. Kenneth Cheng and Alfred Chua, “Eyes in the sky and sea, as Air Force and Navy use manpower-saving technology”, Today, 02 Mar 18, https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/eyes-sky-and-sea-air-force-and-navy- use-manpower-saving-technology 11. Bernard FW Loo, “The (Over?) Promise of Modern Technology”, Military Studies at RSIS, Published 17 Jan 2013, https://rsismilitarystudies.wordpress.com/2013/01/17/1036/ 12. “Tech Edge in Pilot Training”, Military Review, 10 Jan 2011, pena-abad.blogspot.com/2011/01/tech-edge-in- pilot-training.html

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13. Xue Jianyue, “State-of-the-art indoor range makes target practice more efficient”, Today, 05 Oct 2013, https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/new-saf-indoor-firing-range-goes-live 14. Lim Min Zhang, “New training facility at Tuas Naval Base”, The Straits Time, Published 27 Sep 2018, https:// www.straitstimes.com/singapore/new-training-facility-at-tuas-naval-base 15. Irene Tham and Lester Hio, “SingHealth Cyber Attack: Method of attack showed high level of sophistication”, The Straits Times, 21 Jul 2018, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/method-of-attack-showed-high-level -of-sophistication 16. Alfred Chua, “Singapore’s Mindef Internet system hacked, personal data of 850 personnel stolen”, South Chi- na Post, 28 Feb 2018, https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2074732/singapores-mindef- internet-system-hacked-personal-data-850 17. Adrian Lim, “New SAF command to coordinate running of military networks and cyber defence”, The Straits Times, 30 Jun 2017, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/new-saf-command-to-coordinate-running-of- military-networks-and-cyber-defence 18. LTC Anthony Wong, MAJ Christopher Eng, CPT Ronald Loh Ming Yao & CPT Jeffrey Ng, “Cyber Threats in Hy- brid Warfare: Securing the Cyber Space for the RSAF”, Pointer, Vol 43 No.1(2017), https:// www.mindef.gov.sg/oms/safti/pointer/documents/pdf/V43N1a3.pdf 19. Staff Writer “Singapore Armed Forces to roll out 2 apps for National Servicemen”, Yahoo News, Published 30 Jun 2018, https://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-armed-forces-roll-2-apps-national-servicemen- 100058864.html 20. David Boey, “What to make of Singapore’s move to buy F-35 fighter jets”, Today, Published 21 Jan 2019, https://www.todayonline.com/commentary/what-make-singapores-move-buy-f-35-fighter-jets 21. “Speech by Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Defence, at Committee of Supply Debate 2014”, MINDEF, 06 Mar 2014, https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/portal/mindef/news-and-events/latest-releases/article-detail/2014/ march/2014mar06-speeches-00341/ 22. Defence Science and Technology, MINDEF, https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/portal/mindef/defence-matters/ defence-topic/defence-topic- 23. “Defending Singapore in the 21st Century”, MINDEF, https://www.mindef.gov.sg/oms/dam/publications/ ebooks/more_ebooks/ds21.pdf

ME4 Ratnam Saravanan assumed his current appointment as Command Chief, 5 Air Engineering & Logistics Group (AELG), Air Power Generation Command on 3rd April, 2018. An Air Force Engineer (Maintenance) by vocation, he has held various appointments such as Command Chief of both 149 SQN and Fighter Group, Air Combat Command. ME4 Saravanan graduated from Singapore Polytechnic with a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. He also attended the inaugural 01/2018 JSLC in SAFWOS Leadership School. For his outstanding academic achievement, he was awarded the Distinguished Graduate Award.