{"id":43166,"date":"2026-04-10T05:51:49","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T21:51:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=43166"},"modified":"2026-04-10T05:51:49","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T21:51:49","slug":"recent-conflicts-show-how-warfare-is-evolving-pm-wong","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=43166","title":{"rendered":"Recent conflicts show how warfare is evolving: PM Wong"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">SINGAPORE &#8211; <!-- -->The Republic has to learn from recent conflicts, such as in Ukraine and Iran, to better harness new technologies like unmanned systems, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on April 9.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Warfare is evolving with new threats, and it is important for Singapore to build up its own capabilities, he said during a visit to the army\u2019s 6th Singapore Division\/Headquarters Sense &amp; Strike in Mandai Hill Camp.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">While Singapore has already been doing so, recent experiences have provided it with \u201ca lot of food for thought\u201d, he told the media after observing a demonstration of surveillance drones working together with platforms like an AH-64D Apache attack helicopter. <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">While the trend towards more unmanned systems and different ways of fighting was first seen during <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/world\/europe\/russias-putin-announces-a-military-operation-in-ukraine?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">the Ukraine conflict,<\/span><\/a> the current <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/world\/middle-east\/israel-and-us-launch-attack-on-iran-targeting-its-leadership?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">conflict involving Iran<\/span><\/a> has shown that it was not an anomaly. <\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"PM Wong: SAF learning from war in Iran to build up counters to new threats like drones\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/0aAPPzDUwjM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Said PM Wong: \u201cThis trend towards more unmanned systems, using new technologies and different ways of fighting \u2013 this will be with us. And we have to learn from this experience how to better harness new technologies and unmanned systems in our concept of operations.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cThere will be new challenges because, as you can see in recent conflicts with unmanned systems, you can have the most advanced interceptors, but when your aggressor is deploying cheap swarms of drones, it\u2019s very challenging for your interceptors to defend.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">It is highly expensive and also takes time to replace these assets, he added.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">PM Wong said this is an example of new threats that Singapore has to think about, which is why it is important for the country to build up its own capabilities.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He said that in a world where the global order is coming apart, Singapore must be prepared for more disorder, more conflicts and more fighting around the world in the years ahead.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">While much focus in recent times has been on energy, given the conflict in the Middle East, \u201cdefence is of utmost importance too\u201d, he added. <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">During his visit, PM Wong interacted with soldiers undergoing the division\u2019s advanced competency training.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The training involves more than 1,200 operationally ready and full-time national servicemen and regulars, and hones the division\u2019s ability to integrate manoeuvre forces with sense-strike concepts, which refer to the Singapore Armed Forces\u2019 (SAF) ability to detect threats quickly, decide on a response and take precise action.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">PM Wong was accompanied by Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing; the Chief of Defence Force, Vice-Admiral Aaron Beng; and the Chief of Army, Major-General Cai Dexian, as they observed a static display of the formation\u2019s capabilities, including the Veloce 15 and Orbiter 4 close-range unmanned aerial vehicles, and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"SAF\u2019s 6th Division demonstrates sense and strike unmanned systems capabilities\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/GaNHfe9SKBw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">PM Wong said Singapore is learning from the experiences of conflicts abroad as it harnesses new technologies, and adapts and transforms the SAF, but noted that it was not just about buying new platforms.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cWhat\u2019s of more importance is how we integrate these new capabilities well, across different domains, between the operations and the technology team, and across different services in the SAF, so that we can have a more effective SAF, and it can also be a more effective deterrent against any potential aggressors.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">PM Wong said Singapore has always been vigilant about defence.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cIn a time where we come under threat, no one is going to come to our rescue, and we have to depend on ourselves,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">That is why Singapore has built up the SAF and invested consistently in it from the very beginning, and that overall stance remains consistent now, he added.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cBut I would say it\u2019s even more important than in the past, considering the external environment that we are in\u2026 because if the global order starts to come apart and more and more, if it does move in that direction, there will be a vacuum, and a vacuum means disorder, it means messiness, it means unpredictability.\u201d <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">It also means a world where countries may resort more to using force and coercion to get what they want, and small countries like Singapore will come under pressure, he said.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"landscape inline-media-wrapper\" data-testid=\"inline-media-test-id\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start relative w-fit\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/348ad252b5ba140cd783027c90cfa21578892ce45748594998dcc06dd2dc7f06?w=480\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 720px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/348ad252b5ba140cd783027c90cfa21578892ce45748594998dcc06dd2dc7f06?w=720\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 721px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/348ad252b5ba140cd783027c90cfa21578892ce45748594998dcc06dd2dc7f06?w=900\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/348ad252b5ba140cd783027c90cfa21578892ce45748594998dcc06dd2dc7f06\" alt=\"Some examples of drones that can be used for Sense and Strike operations by the 6th Singapore Division\/Headquarters Sense and Strike on display at Mandai Hill Camp on April 9.\" class=\"aspect-landscape flex items-start shrink-0 object-cover landscape article-landscape mobile:w-auto tablet:w-auto\" data-testid=\"image-test-id\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div><figcaption class=\"mobile:mx-16 tablet:mx-00 flex flex-col gap-08 py-16 desktop:pb-24\">\n<p class=\"font-eyebrow-baseline-regular text-secondary\" data-testid=\"inline-media-caption-test-id\">Some examples of drones that can be used for Sense and Strike operations by the 6th Singapore Division\/Headquarters Sense and Strike, on display at Mandai Hill Camp on April 9.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-eyebrow-baseline-regular text-placeholder\" data-testid=\"inline-media-credit-test-id\">ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">While there are conversations about security in areas where resilience needs to be built up, like energy, food and other areas of supply chains, there is also a need to pay particular attention to defence, PM Wong said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cIn today\u2019s world, it\u2019s more than just about equipping and transforming the SAF, it\u2019s also thinking hard about technology and thinking hard about defence supply chains and how we can be more resilient as a country,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cThat\u2019s what we will continue to do to make sure Singapore remains safe and secure.\u201d <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Colonel Philip Khoo Kok Hong, Chief of Staff of 6th Singapore Division\/Headquarters Sense &amp; Strike, said the division is learning from the recent conflicts and adapting the lessons to its own context. <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cWe have also looked out for cheaper, asymmetric and also low-cost and innovative options to continually upgrade our systems,\u201d he added. <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">COL Khoo, who is also a pilot, said one of the division\u2019s latest developments is the capacity to conduct \u201cone-to-many\u201d drone operations. These allow an individual to operate up to 200 drones at a time, with the assistance of artificial intelligence. <\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"[FULL] Singapore learning from recent conflicts to build capabilities to face new threats: PM Wong\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pCVmPVzs1Gk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Mr Alex Lee, director of land systems at the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), said the agency also keeps a close eye on recent conflicts and puts to use some of its observations in the solutions that it provides to the SAF.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He said that apart from the proliferation of drones for the use of surveillance as well as other missions, there is also the capacity to counter and take out drones, which may involve capabilities that include the altering of signals.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">These are areas DSTA is drawing lessons from, Mr Lee said. <\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He said: \u201cFor technology cycles that are evolving this fast, (our system engineering capability) is a very strong point for us, and we definitely want to leverage that to deliver these capabilities to the SAF.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/politics\/recent-conflicts-show-how-warfare-is-evolving-important-for-spore-to-build-capabilities-pm-wong\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read Full Article At Source <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SINGAPORE &#8211; The Republic has to learn from recent conflicts, such as in Ukraine and Iran, to better harness new technologies like unmanned systems, said&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":43170,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2611],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-43166","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buzz-headlines","wpcat-2611-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43166","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=43166"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43166\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/43170"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=43166"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=43166"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=43166"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}