SPEECH BY SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE FOR DEFENCE, MR ZAQY MOHAMAD, AT THE SAF DAY ZONE 5 COMBINED REDEDICATION CEREMONY AT ST ENGINEERING DIGITAL HUB ON 1 JUL 2025

Mr Vincent Chong, Group President & CEO of ST Engineering,

MG Cai Dexian, Chief of Army,

Defence Partners,

Members of the Defence Technology Community,

Ladies and gentlemen,

A very good morning to all of you.

Introduction

It is a great honour to be here this morning at this year's Combined Rededication Ceremony (CRC) at ST Engineering Digital Hub. First, let me thank ST Engineering for hosting us. This is a meaningful venue that reminds us of how far the SAF has come in advancing our defence capabilities and how vital our industry partners have been in keeping the SAF at the forefront of defence technology. For 38 years, this ceremony has united NSmen, employers, and the community to reaffirm our commitment to defence. This year, as we mark the SAF’s 60th anniversary, the launch of our fifth CRC zone reflects the growing support for National Service, and a shared resolve to protect what we have built. This is especially critical today in this challenging geopolitical climate.

In Today’s Turbulent World, a Credible SAF Is Essential

The world that we live in today is a turbulent one. In Ukraine, the war grinds on to its third year at devastating human cost. In the Middle East, tensions from the Israel-Iran conflict and the US’ recent involvement has put the entire region on edge. The US-China rivalry continues to divide the world order, and the South China Sea remains an area of contestation. Even at home, we have seen how external influences could threaten our social fabric during the General Elections. These are not just headlines. They carry real consequences, and they remind us how quickly peace can unravel.

This is why we cannot afford to take our security for granted; and why a credible SAF is not optional. It is not optional for Singapore. It is not optional for our survivability. It is essential. As put by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, "The SAF must be the one that can give weight to Singapore's voice on the international stage. It must enable the nation to stand firm in the defence of its interests, and keep the nation safe and secure."

The SAF is Reliable and Ready

Modern conflicts have rewritten the rules of war. We have seen how drones and cyber operations have moved conflicts from conventional battlefields into the grey and digital domains. The SAF recognises this shift, and have taken bold steps to remain Operationally Ready in the face of modern threats.

First, the SAF has invested in strategic capabilities. In the realm of drone warfare, the SAF operationalised the new UAS Warfare and Tactics Centre (UWTC) and the SAF Counter-UAS Development and Operations (SCUDO) Group. At the operational level, RSAF’s Mobile Imagery Intelligence Dissemination System (MIDS) continues to enable the Army’s ground troops to receive live feed from the RSAF’s high-altitude Heron-1 UAVs. tHIS enables them to enhance situational awareness and decision-making on the battlefield. Beyond capabilities, the SAF is exploring training its soldiers with basic drone competencies, so that they will be able to operate with, around and against drones. As we saw the video earlier in the 1960s and 70s, when started National Service, we were all training with the M-16 at the time which became the standard tool for all infantry men. So with this, it is almost like the drone will become the new standard tool for all infantry men. I think it says something when every Full-Time National Servicemen (NSF) will be trained in drone warfare. I think that shows how the warfare battlefield has evolved and it will become part of a soldier’s foundational skillset, preparing them to fully harness the potential of drones. In the digital space, the SAF has established two new commands under the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) to drive the SAF’s digitalisation efforts and ensure that we remain ahead of hostile information and cyber threats. Now, put all these together, these strategic capabilities ensure that the SAF remains ready and reliable to defend the nation against modern day threats.

Second, the SAF ensures our that our personnel are well-trained and competent. In May, I accompanied Minister Chan Chun Sing to visit several high-readiness units across the SAF. We witnessed first-hand how the RSAF, the RSN, the Army and the DIS work together seamlessly. From launching helicopters off a temporary landing site on a golf course and defending our maritime approaches 24/7, to conducting real-time threat monitoring from command centres with the DIS, I was deeply assured that the SAF stands ready at all times to defend the nation, working hand in hand, working in integrated fashion.

Beyond defending Singapore, the SAF contributes meaningfully to regional and global security as well. Just in the past year, the SAF carried out multiple Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missions in quick succession, delivering over 60 tonnes of aid to Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam, and responding swiftly to two major earthquakes. Early in February, the SAF also delivered Singapore’s seventh tranche of humanitarian aid for Gaza, comprising nine tonnes of medical, sanitary and food supplies. I was fortunate to be with them, and I can tell you, it is quite a challenging environment when you ae in a conflict zone. The ability to operate with foreign partners demonstrates the SAF’s relevance on the global stage, with each successful deployment strengthening our diplomacy and deterrence. At the same time, it validates our operational readiness in highly complex environments.

Put together, our SAF is reliable and ready. In this turbulent world, it remains vigilant 24/7 to defend our sovereignty and our way of life.

Celebrating 60 Years of the SAF

This year, we mark 60 years of the SAF. From humble beginnings to a world-class, future-ready fighting force, the SAF’s transformation is a remarkable one. It is a story of the unwavering commitment, as you see from many of our servicemen across the years, from the 60s all the way to 2025 and it shows the commitment, sweat, and sacrifice by every soldier, sailor, airman, guardian, and defence professional.

Milestones like this give us reason to reflect on the contributions of our pioneers. They have laid the foundations for the SAF, and it is on their shoulders that we stand on today.

We also want to thank our defence partners, like ST Engineering, who have journeyed with us in building today’s SAF. Your continued support and innovation have been instrumental in shaping our national defence. Thank you, and let us give them a round of applause.

As we mark SAF 60 this year, let us celebrate generations of servicemen and servicewomen who have dedicated themselves to keeping Singapore safe and recognise those who continue to carry the torch forward.

National Service Is the Cornerstone of Our Defence

National Service is the cornerstone of our defence, and our NSFs and NSmen exemplify the spirit of commitment, sacrifice and duty that defines the SAF. So, to all our National Servicemen past and present here today, thank you very much for your service and commitment. Your contributions, whether in training, operations, or behind the scenes – even if you are in ST Engineering – cannot be understated. Every one of you plays an important role in our defence and security.

As we enter an even more turbulent world, we must and will continue to invest in the SAF and National Service, such that the SAF remains steady, strong and resilient.

Support for National Service Is Our Backbone

Finally, our national defence is not sustained by technology or firepower alone. It is anchored in public trust and societal support. When our servicemen and servicewomen know that Singaporeans stand behind them, they serve with confidence and pride. When families, employers, and communities step forward with understanding and support, our defence posture becomes unshakeable.

The launch of the fifth CRC zone this year reflects this very spirit. As we look outward to deter threats, the unity at home gives strength to our mission.

Conclusion

As we take the SAF Day pledge today, we rededicate ourselves not just to duty, but to the future of Singapore. May we continue to stand united, defend what we cherish, and build a safer, stronger tomorrow.

Majulah Singapura. Majulah SAF.

More Resources

SPEECH BY MINISTER FOR DEFENCE, MR CHAN CHUN SING, AT SAF DAY ZONE 2 COMBINED REDEDICATION CEREMONY AT CAPITAL TOWER ON 1 JUL 2025

NSmen and Employers Reaffirm Commitment to Defence

Fact Sheet: SAF Day 2025 Combined Rededication Ceremonies