Joint Reply by MINDEF and MHA to ST's Query on Counter-drone Enforcement During NDP 2018

National Day Parade (NDP) 2018, held at The Float @ Marina Bay on 9 August 2018, has been declared by the Minister for Home Affairs as an 'Enhanced Security Special Event' under the Public Order Act. The area around Marina Bay has been designated as a 'Special Event Area', within which the possession and flying of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), including drones, are prohibited. 

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) will conduct checks on persons and belongings at the entry points to NDP 2018 to ensure that no prohibited items, including UAVs, are brought in. SPF officers will also look out for persons with UAVs within the Special Event Area, and will take enforcement action if such are found.

SPF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) have put in place capabilities to detect and disrupt unauthorised UAVs that pose a threat to the safety and conduct of high profile national events such as NDP 2018. These capabilities include rendering a UAV ineffective remotely, and physically taking down errant UAVs with a drone catcher system. We also have the capabilities to trace the persons who are operating the UAVs.  

It is also an offence to fly a UAV outside of the Special Event Area in a manner that disrupts, interferes with, or delays the conduct of NDP 2018. 

Offenders may be arrested and, upon conviction, be liable to an imprisonment term for up to 12 months, a fine of up to $20,000, or both. The UAV will also be seized.