Written Reply by Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing on Airdrops of Humanitarian Aid to Intended Recipients

Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence whether the Ministry has evaluated the value of conducting airdrops of humanitarian aid, in the light of concerns that such airdrops into the Gaza strip have been ineffective, dangerous and risky to intended recipients.

Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing:

The preferred and most effective model of humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza is via land transfer. Airdrops, which entail higher risk and cost, are a last resort when land transfer becomes restricted and the humanitarian situation is dire.

To reduce the risk to the intended recipients, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) worked with the Royal Jordanian Air Force to select suitable drop zones, taking into consideration the safety of civilians in Gaza. Checks were conducted to ensure that the parachutes and loads were rigged in accordance to established safety standards and practices. The RSAF crew also carried out detailed planning to ensure the aid loads would land within the identified drop zones safely.

If needed and tasked to conduct airdrops in Gaza as a last resort, the RSAF will continue to take similar precautions.