Exercise Forging Sabre 2017 - Key Feature

Background

Ex Forging Sabre 2017 (XFS 17) is a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) integrated strike exercise involving a suite of sense and strike assets from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Singapore Army. Working as an integrated and networked force, the SAF will be able to "Out-Sense" the enemy with timely and accurate information, "Out-Smart" with effective decisions enabled by a networked Command Post, and "Out-Shoot" with the ability to destroy multiple targets in various locations simultaneously.

Out-Sense

The sensors scan the battlefield, to collect timely and accurate information on the enemy targets. Sensors include the Heron 1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), STrike ObserveRs Mission (STORM) teams and Commando detachments. The Heron 1 UAV can conduct area surveillance with a real-time bird's eye view of the battlefield. This capability enhances battlefield awareness, enabling quicker and sharper decision-making. On the ground, the STORM teams can locate enemy targets, observe enemy movements and have the ability to rapidly direct a wide range of strike assets to engage a target. The Commando detachments, with information from other sensors like the Heron 1 UAV, can close-in to find the precise location of enemy targets, and conduct cooperative lasing for strike assets, like multi-role fighter aircraft, to accurately strike the targets. The Heron 1 UAV, together with the STORM teams and Commando detachments, also supports target acquisition for laser-guided precision munitions.

Out-Smart

Once SAF's sensors pick up enemy targets, the information is sent back to the Command Post. The Command Post fuses this information to create a comprehensive real-time situation picture. The coherent picture will aid commanders in making informed, prompt and effective decisions. This process allows the Command Post to maintain awareness of the situation in the battlefield and develop comprehensive response plans upon detection of enemy targets. The sensors continue to monitor and track the enemy's activity, allowing the Command Post to make dynamic adjustments to react swiftly to any change in the situation.

Out-Shoot

The SAF's integrated strike capability employs a full range of assets and weapons to effectively destroy different types of enemy forces. Multiple moving enemy targets, such as tanks and multiple launch rocket systems, employing "shoot and scoot" tactics can be destroyed in a single pass by F-15SG and F-16C/D multi-role fighters carrying laser-guided bombs, or AH-64D Apache attack helicopters using radar-guided missiles. Each HIMARS can fire M31 unitary rockets simultaneously at multiple targets, such as enemy air defence and surveillance systems. Enemy Command Post and buildings can be demolished with heavy calibre bombs, such as the Laser Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) launched by multi-role fighters. Live GBU-31s, a 2000-pound JDAM, will also be launched during the exercise, a first for this series.

High Mobility Artillery Rocket System. The HIMARS, each operated by a three-man crew, comprises the HIMARS carrier, Launcher Module and the Universal Fire Control System (UFCS). The Launcher Module mounted to the chassis of the vehicle houses the rocket pod assembly, which carries up to a maximum of six rockets. The HIMARS also has a high level of accuracy, with the capability to hit within 15 m of its target point, thereby reducing collateral damage and allowing the HIMARS to operate efficiently and effectively, especially in urban areas.

• Multiple Target Engagement. With a recent upgrade to the UFCS, each HIMARS can acquire and simultaneously engage multiple targets up to 70km away.
   

• New Battery Command Post. The HIMARS battery fielded its new Battery Command Post which allows for Operations-On-the-Move and enhanced Battlefield monitoring when travelling. The new Battery Command Post has a fully automated deployment of antenna masts that no longer require the crew to operate. The new design also took ergonomics into consideration to increase crew endurance for sustained operations.