Speech by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, at the Ministry of Defence Committee of Supply Debate 2019
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Speech by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, at the Ministry of Defence Committee of Supply Debate 2019 01 Mar 2019 TRANSFORMING THE SAF TO MEET A MORE TROUBLED ENVIRONMENT A Fruitful 2018 Mr Chairman, let me thank members for their continued commitment to a strong defence for Singapore. I note the speeches that many members of this house have given during the budget debate. It is particularly gratifying and reassuring for our future, for Singapore's future, that despite defence, security, home affairs and foreign affairs accounting for one third of our expenditure, that we have got support across the aisles, across parties. I think that is a strong signal that bodes wells for the future of Singapore. Last year was a busy year for Singapore. We staged a number of key events on international efforts on the world stage. In response to Mr Vikram Nair and Ms Sylvia Lim, I would say that Singapore's image and standing, because we played host, were enhanced. But it also called for extra and stringent security measures here. In June, the SAF deployed at short notice – it was yes… on, and off, so in two weeks, we were asked to host the US-DPRK Summit. Because such high-profile events can be attractive targets for terrorists, the SAF mounted a large-scale deployment involving two thousand personnel, with dozens of aircraft, ships and vehicles, to provide air, land and sea security domes that covered Sentosa and parts of Orchard Road. Our efforts, together with those of the Home Team, proved a deterrent to would-be provocateurs. The SAF mounted a similar operation when Singapore hosted the ASEAN Summit in November where all the ASEAN Heads of Government and many other foreign dignitaries gathered. In October last year, MINDEF chaired the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and the 5th 18-member ADMM-Plus, which collectively represents four billion people and account for ninety percent of the world's military. At that meeting, we galvanised the ADMM and Plus countries to address common security concerns, including counter- terrorism, Chemical, Biological (and) Radiological Defence threats, and we facilitated ASEAN's adoption of Indonesia's “Our Eyes” Initiative. It is an initiative which can enhance regional counter-terrorism information-sharing, and Singapore will assist Indonesia to set up and operate this facility. This is an important initiative as we prepare to deal with the wave of returning fighters coming back from Iraq and Syria, even as ISIS has lost ground there. I am also glad to report that under our Chairmanship, the ADMM adopted the ASEAN Guidelines for Air Military Encounters (GAME). It is the first such set of multilateral guidelines in the world, with the support of the Plus countries. GAME can prevent disastrous consequences that can result from unplanned encounters between military aircraft in the air. We have also worked on putting the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea. I think some members asked about this. It has been put into practice across all ADMM-Plus navies, including the inaugural ASEAN-China Maritime Exercise in October last year. Later this year, we will use CUES for the ADMM-Plus Maritime Security Exercise, which will include both the US and China. All in all, Singapore did its fair share to enhance regional security and stability. And I think on that score, it was a productive and fruitful year. Navigating Troubled Waters In the last few months though, we have had our challenges with Malaysia – Mr Seah Kian Peng asked about this. Since last November, Malaysian Government Vessels have repeatedly entered Singapore's territorial waters off Tuas, over which the Maritime Port Authority (of Singapore) (MPA), Police Coast Guard (PCG) and Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) vessels have exercised jurisdiction and enforcement without any protest or intrusions from Malaysia for more than two decades. Even now, two Malaysian Government Vessels continue to be anchored in our territorial waters off Tuas. Singaporeans and MPs are familiar with these developments and I need not elaborate. Suffice to say, we have strongly cautioned Malaysia to withdraw their vessels. In fact, if you remember, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)'s press statement in December, I will quote it “Malaysia's deployments in this area will not strengthen its legal claim and can only heighten tensions. Malaysia will be responsible for any untoward situations on the ground that arise from continued deployment of its vessels into this area.” And indeed, just as we warned could happen, last month, the Greek bulk carrier Pireas collided with the Malaysian Government Vessel Polaris. Mercifully, no bodily harm ensued, but it could have been much worse. Singaporeans will remember the collision between the USS McCain and the oil tanker Alnic off Pedra Branca in August 2017, where ten crewmen perished. Even so, some in Malaysia have accused Singapore of orchestrating the collision with the Polaris. These false accusations would have been much louder and strident to push for retaliation against Singapore and Singaporeans, if lives had been lost in the recent collision. Our MFA and (Ministry of) Transport officials are meeting for discussions and negotiations and the presence of these Malaysian Government Vessels does not help in any way, and in fact exposes themselves to danger and obstruct productive talks. The MPA, the PCG and the RSN are closely monitoring activities in Singapore's territorial waters off Tuas 24/7, and will remain ever vigilant to guard our sovereignty and rights under international law. Towards the Next-Generation SAF MINDEF will continue its efforts in defence diplomacy. I think members have asked that, including Ms Sylvia Lim and Mr Vikram Nair. We want to promote regional peace and stability. We make friends with those who are willing, and partner those countries whose interests are aligned with ours and who share our desire for inclusiveness, peaceful resolution of disputes and respect for the law. But at the same time, we must ensure that the SAF is strong and adequate to defend our rights when diplomacy fails and when others choose to do us harm or ignore our rights. As Mdm Fatimah Lateef said, a strong SAF protects Singapore and Singaporeans, and it has been our persistent investments and efforts to build the Next- Generation SAF that can better respond to security threats for another generation. These developments are progressing well, and I would like to elaborate on that because many MPs have asked how we respond to different scenarios of threats that will come upon us in this generation, and we have to prepare for the future because it takes that period of time to build up that kind of SAF. Enhancing Singapore's Peace and Security First, homeland security. The Mumbai attack in 2008 showed us the devastating destruction that can come from the sea, and we are surrounded by seas. To deter and mitigate external attacks against Singapore, we will beef up security for our entire coastline. The SAF will add more optical sensors and coastal radars to deter and detect potential threats. We will build more unmanned watch towers will be added for better coverage of the busy traffic across the Singapore Strait. We will also add unmanned surface vessels to patrol our waters, beginning next year. A Strong SAF for 2030 and Beyond – Ready for SG75 Members have asked more details on our modernisation of the next generation SAF – Mr Vikram Nair, Mr Pritam Singh, Mdm Lateef, Mr Chong Kee Hiong, and Mr Charles Chong. So let me elaborate. Our plans to modernise the Next-Generation SAF to better respond to security threats are progressing well for all three services. With your permission, Mr Speaker, may I display some slides on the LED screens, and also ask for the handout to be distributed. Let me begin with the air. I think Mr Henry Kwek has asked about the F-35s. We have announced our plans to replace the F-16s, which will face obsolescence post-2030, with the F-35s. This will mean that the RSAF fighter fleet will consist of F-35s and F-15SGs, if plans come to fruition a decade or so from now. As stated previously, MINDEF will issue a Letter of Request (LOR) to the US to acquire F- 35s. As required by US law for foreign military sales, the US Congress must approve the sale of F-35s. Our LOR will request an initial acquisition of four F-35s, with the option of a subsequent eight if we decide to proceed. Singapore has the endorsement of both the US Administration and the Department of Defense for our proposed purchase of F-35s, but the Congress must still approve it. In fact, President Trump wrote to PM Lee last month welcoming Singapore's plans to acquire the F-35. During my meeting with Acting Secretary of Defence Patrick Shanahan at the Munich Security Conference two weeks ago, he also said that the US was greatly appreciative of Singapore's decision and his department supported it. A word on price. The price of F-35s has been steadily falling due to the healthy orders from the US and ten other countries, including the UK, Italy, Australia, Japan and South Korea. DSTA's assessment is that now is an opportune time to put in Singapore's request. The current unit price of the F-35 ranges from US$90 million to US$115 million per aircraft, comparable to what we have paid for our F-15SGs. The Total Cost of Ownership of a fleet of F-35s, including maintenance across its lifespan, will also be similar to our F-15SGs.