Written Reply by Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing on Sovereign Limits on Foreign-Sourced Military Equipment Used by SAF

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence (a) whether there are any sovereign limits that are placed on foreign-sourced military equipment used by the SAF; (b) if so, what measures are in place to ensure that these limits do not infringe on Singapore’s ability to act independently and defend itself; and (c) whether the government aims to reduce its dependence on foreign-sourced military equipment over time.

Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing:

We procure both overseas and locally made defence equipment, based on what best meet the Singapore Armed Force's (SAF’s) operational needs in a cost-effective way. It is common for defence equipment to come with end user obligations, such as conditions related to the protection of proprietary technology and third-party equipment transfers. Before making any acquisition, we would have assessed that the SAF can deploy the equipment to meet our operational needs, while complying with the obligations. In many instances, certain elements of the foreign defence equipment purchased by us are also localised, through technology transfers and building up of local maintenance capabilities, giving us added assurance.