Speeches
Speech by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean at the Committee of Supply Debate 2011
2 March 2011
This article has been migrated from an earlier version of the site and may display formatting inconsistencies.
Regional Security Environment
Mr Michael Palmer and Ms Indranee Rajah enumerated the various challenges in the regional security environment and asked for an update on the regional security environment, as well as the role played by the US, China and other regional countries. Sir, in the Asia-Pacific, China and India continue to grow at a fast pace. This contrasts with the picture elsewhere. Europe continues to be gripped by the woes of a number of eurozone countries. The United States is grappling with a large budget deficit. This has meant that economic dynamism and weight has been shifting eastwards. Defence expenditures reflect this shift. They are falling in the West while rising in Asia. The recent unrest in several Middle Eastern countries has also led to some concern with the stability of global energy supply and prices.
The growing economic weight of China and India has given them more confidence, and a greater desire to play a larger role in regional and global affairs. They have new and expanded interests, such as access to trade routes and resources, and will want to safeguard them. They are expanding their naval and air forces to extend their reach and influence. This is resulting in a shift in the relationship between the major powers in our region. Traditional flashpoints such as the Korean Peninsula also remain. On this issue, which Mr Palmer asked about, we hope that all parties will exercise restraint and reduce tensions through dialogue, as a stable and nuclear-free Korean Peninsula is crucial for regional stability. We do not want to see nuclear proliferation in our region.
The key question on everyone's minds is how dynamics between the US and China affect our region. Given the high degree of interdependence in the relationship, both sides recognise that having friendly relations is in their best interests. However, there is also potential for competition and friction. Domestic pressures in both countries, too, will continue to complicate the relationship. As China undergoes a leadership transition and the US a presidential election in 2012, both sides cannot afford to appear weak, especially on matters that affect domestic support.
Southeast Asia, rich in natural resources and where critical sea lanes converge, is a region where the key interests of the US and China intersect and often play out. China is working hard to build up its relationship with Southeast Asian countries, and to manage areas where there are differences. In parallel, the Obama Administration has resolved to remain a "resident power" in Asia and has stepped up its engagements with Southeast Asian countries. Both sides seek to deepen their trade relationships with the region. These are positive developments for Southeast Asia, which can then play a role in fostering good relations between the US and China.
Regional Security Architecture
Mr Palmer, Ms Rajah , Dr Lily Neo and Associate Professor Fatimah Lateef asked about the regional security architecture, and the role played by MINDEF as well as other countries in shaping it. In today's evolving strategic environment, countries need to come together to build trust and confidence, and to cooperate in tackling complex security challenges that affect everyone. An open, inclusive and flexible regional security architecture can facilitate this process, by bringing together the key stakeholders to address issues of concern, promote mutual understanding, build confidence, and provide a construct through which countries can cooperate in areas of shared interests, in spite of differences in other areas.
On our part, MINDEF seeks to contribute ideas and concepts to crystallise and strengthen the security architecture, as well as useful capabilities towards regional cooperative activities. We play an active role in institutions such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM), and the ADMM-Plus, the newest component of the architecture, which Dr Lily Neo asked about.
Last year, only four and the half years after the first ADMM in 2006, the ADMM-Plus was inaugurated with an ADMM+8 format, comprising the ten ASEAN countries and eight "Plus" countries - Australia, China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Russia and the US. These are key extra-regional countries that have a stake in the region and can contribute expertise, perspectives, and resources to help deal with regional challenges. The establishment of the ADMM-Plus is a significant milestone in the history of ASEAN, strengthening ASEAN's ability to set the regional agenda and its position as a driving force for regional defence cooperation. The inaugural ADMM-Plus agreed to advance practical cooperation among the 18 militaries, particularly through the establishment of Experts' Working Groups (EWGs) in five areas - humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, maritime security, peacekeeping operations, counter-terrorism and military medicine. So the ADMM-plus provides a forum where people can air their views, say how they feel, what their concerns are, and so others can understand them. At the same time after the discussions, it provides an avenue for them to work together in these five areas and develop in a concrete way their desire for cooperation.
MINDEF is also actively involved in the Shangri-La Dialogue, held annually in Singapore. The Shangri-La Dialogue plays a unique role in the regional architecture by bringing together defence ministers, senior officials and academics from the region and beyond for a frank exchange of views. This key event will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year. 2011 also marks the 40th Anniversary of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), a grouping that has become an integral part of the regional architecture. The 8th FPDA Defence Ministers' Meeting will be held in Singapore on 1 November 2011. "1-11-11". It marks the day the FPDA was founded 40 years ago. Over the years, the FPDA has proven to be an adaptive institution, relevant to the changing strategic environment and the needs of its members.
Bilateral Defence Relation
Ms Ellen Lee asked about bilateral defence relations with our neighbours and key partners. Our defence ties with Malaysia are deep and broad-based. They encompass a wide range of interactions between the defence leadership as well as among the rank and file through regular bilateral exercises and exchange visits. Last October, I attended the inaugural Putrajaya Forum in Kuala Lumpur, where I spoke alongside Defence Minister Dato' Seri Zahid during a panel discussion. Singapore and Malaysia also collaborate closely in the Malacca Strait Patrols and the FPDA. All these interactions have enhanced the friendly ties between both sides.
Our defence relationship with Indonesia remains strong, with regular and wide-ranging interactions between the SAF and the Indonesian National Defence Forces. I recently visited Indonesia last December, and attended the 30th anniversary celebrations of Elang Indopura, a bilateral exercise between both Air Forces. It was a wonderful occasion because they brought back the officers who had taken part in the early Elang Indopura exercises from the very beginning and they were able to interact with one another. I also met with President Yudhoyono, Vice President Boediono, and Defence Minister Purnomo. In my interactions with these Indonesian leaders, I was heartened to hear their strong affirmation of our warm and friendly bilateral relationship, and their agreement that both sides should further explore opportunities to expand cooperation for mutual benefit.
The US remains one of our strongest and closest defence partners, and a country with whom we share fundamental interests and strategic perspectives. Our relationship with the US affords us technology access and training opportunities to build our operational capabilities and readiness. Last November, the SAF conducted in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, the first battery live-firing exercise involving our new High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). Our new Sikorsky S-70B naval helicopters were also based in the US from November 2009 to September last year for integration training with our frigates. We continue to maintain F-16, F-15SG, Chinook and Apache training detachments in the US. On our part, we also welcome visits by US ships and aircraft to Singapore. We believe that the continued presence in our part of the world by the US is important for regional peace and security.
With China, we have progressed our defence relationship. A second joint counter-terrorism exercise between the SAF and PLA, which focused on counter-terrorism security operations for major international events, was held in Singapore last November.
We continue to enjoy close defence ties with Thailand and Brunei, and increasingly with Vietnam, with whom we conducted mutual naval ship visits and our third Defence Policy Dialogue last December. Our relations with other regional partners like Australia and New Zealand also remain warm and strong. We share a history of operational cooperation with both countries, such as in the multinational stabilisation and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. Last year marked the 20th year that the SAF has been exercising at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Australia and I am glad that some of the Members of the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) were able to come along with me to see that exercise. Following the earthquake in Christchurch last week, more than 100 SAF personnel, who had been on exercise in New Zealand at that time, together with an SCDF team, have been assisting the New Zealand Defence Force and local authorities in their rescue and relief operations. We have also deployed two C-130s to airlift humanitarian aid and supplies to victims of the earthquake and evacuate civilians from Christchurch to Wellington and Auckland. A team of forensic experts from the SAF, Health Sciences Authority, and the Singapore Police Force, has also just arrived in Christchurch to help with the identification of earthquake victims.
Wider Spectrum of Operations
Associate Professor Lateef, Dr Lam Pin Min, Dr Maliki Osman, and Dr Neo asked about the evolving threats to Singapore's security, whether the SAF's mission has changed, its role in homeland security, and its contributions to international security operations. In today's interconnected world, states face an array of complex, transnational threats such as terrorism and maritime security. In such an environment, the spectrum of operations that the SAF has to undertake has expanded, although the SAF's basic mission has not changed. The SAF's mission remains to deter threats to Singapore's security, territorial integrity and sovereignty; and should deterrence fail, to secure a swift and decisive victory over the aggressor.
One example of the wider spectrum of operations the SAF undertakes today is in homeland security. Singapore continues to be a target of terrorists, and we must remain on our guard. A seamless inter-agency effort to counter this threat is essential. The SAF therefore works closely with other ministries and Homefront agencies to do so. One example is the Maritime Security Task Force which works closely with other maritime agencies like the Police Coast Guard to enhance Singapore's maritime security. Another example is the Island Defence Task Force, which conducts peacetime security operations, such as the protection of key installations, together with Homefront agencies. The SAF's Special Operations Force remains the intervention force for terrorist hostage incidents, and the SAF's units that deal with Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosive threats support the Home Team.
Given its transnational nature, the terror threat cannot be resolved by any one country acting alone. A multinational effort is necessary. Ms Rajah asked about Afghanistan. Afghanistan remains a key element in this global fight against terrorism, and Singapore is committed to doing its part, within our means and in useful ways, for the multinational stabilisation and reconstruction efforts there. Our deployments support the larger international efforts to prevent extremists from using Afghanistan as a base to export terrorism.
We have been contributing to the multinational efforts in Afghanistan since 2007. In the last year, the SAF deployed medical and surgical teams, a Weapon Locating Radar detachment, and an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Task Group to Oruzgan province. We currently have in Oruzgan a six-man Imagery Analysis Team to provide imagery interpretation and intelligence support. We will also deploy another 13-strong medical team to the US-led Field Hospital there this May. We concluded our four years of contributions in Bamiyan in October last year with the completion of the Foladi Comprehensive Health Clinic. Afghan, civilian, and NGO groups are now providing many of the services needed in Bamiyan. We have therefore concluded the SAF's operations in Bamiyan.
We have also responded to the call for more military institutional trainers to build up the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), to prepare them to assume responsibility for security by 2014. A team of ten SAF institutional trainers is now working in partnership with the Australians at the Australian Defence Force-sponsored Artillery School at the Kabul Military Training Centre.
Our servicemen operate in tough conditions in Afghanistan, where the work and terrain is challenging. Our people are well trained, and we augment their training and equipment appropriately for the specific requirements of their mission. Our men have proven themselves to be adaptable and resilient. This has allowed the SAF to effectively carry out its mission in Afghanistan, and glean valuable operational lessons which are then shared with the rest of the SAF. Through the course of their deployments, our servicemen have done Singapore and the SAF proud, and are highly regarded by our international partners. Our medical teams have helped to heal soldiers and civilians, our UAVs have successfully supported key operations, and our Weapon Locating Radar has provided warnings of incoming rocket attacks that have saved lives and avoided casualties. We have left with Members a DVD, which they can have a look at to get a flavour of the sort of operations that our men and women are conducting in Afghanistan and the kind of operational challenges they face.
Dr Neo and Ms Lee also asked about our maritime security efforts, and our counter-piracy contributions in the Gulf of Aden. As a maritime nation, Singapore has an interest in preserving the freedom of navigation, the safety of international shipping, and in combating threats at sea such as piracy and maritime terrorism. Led by our Maritime Security Task Force, we are establishing a new National Maritime Security System (NMSS) to promote even stronger information sharing, situation awareness, decision-making and operational coordination among our maritime security agencies. This will enable us to respond more effectively to a wider spectrum of maritime threats.
We continue to expand information sharing beyond Singapore's borders by building up the Navy's Information Fusion Centre (IFC) as a key regional maritime information sharing hub. Last year, I spoke about the IFC, and how it enables an international network of partners to share information to facilitate timely and effective responses to maritime threats. This network of partners continues to grow. Ten countries deploy liaison officers to the IFC, and the IFC has linkages with 38 agencies in 25 countries, enabling it to tap on information from a wide range of sources.
Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia continue to conduct coordinated maritime and combined air patrols under the ambit of the Malacca Strait Patrols. While ensuring the security of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore remains our priority, we continue to play our part in the international efforts to combat piracy in the Gulf of Aden. As it is not possible for a country to protect its own shipping in all key sea lanes around the world, we will have to depend on international cooperation to secure these sea lanes for everyone's use. Last year, we commanded the Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 from January to April, and deployed an SAF Task Group comprising a Landing Ship Tank with two helicopters from June to October. During our command of CTF 151, the SAF led more than 2,500 personnel from nine navies. At the invitation of the Combined Maritime Forces, a senior Singaporean naval officer - supported by an SAF command team - will once again command CTF 151 from March to June this year. In the second half of 2011, we have plans to deploy a third SAF Landing Ship Tank and helicopter Task Group to the Gulf of Aden.
Update on 3rd Generation Transformation
Mr Palmer and Ms Lee asked for an update on the SAF's transformation to a 3rd Generation armed forces. Last year, I reported to this House that the key building blocks of the 3rd Generation SAF are in place. Through our steady and prudent investment in defence, we continue to strengthen these building blocks - transforming the SAF into an advanced networked force; making the SAF more flexible and responsive; and placing emphasis on developing our people.
The most visible prong of the SAF's transformation journey is the progressive introduction of more capable platforms, which adds important new capabilities to the SAF. Apart from the return of our Sikorsky naval helicopters to Singapore, the Air Force inaugurated its first local F-15SG squadron in April last year, while the Army took delivery of its first HIMARS artillery rocket platform last July. These new capabilities ensure that the SAF is ready to meet the challenges of the future across the air, land and maritime domains.
Many of our acquisitions replace ageing 2nd Generation SAF systems that have served us well over the last 20 to 30 years. The Air Force will take delivery of the Heron 1 UAV in 2011 to replace the Searcher-class UAV that has been in service since the 1990s. The Heron 1's longer flight endurance and better surveillance capabilities will provide the SAF with superior battlefield situational awareness. The Air Force will also replace our 30-year old RAPIER air defence system with the new SPYDER-SR ground-based air defence system which can more effectively deal with the wider spectrum of current and future aerial threats. The Navy will begin designing a new class of vessels to replace our 2nd Generation Fearless-class patrol vessels. These patrol vessels have been in service since the 1990s and will be more than 20 years old by the time we replace them.
Ms Lee asked how the SAF integrates new acquisitions with current capabilities. The strength of the 3rd Generation SAF is not just drawn from having more platforms or having better hardware. Less visible but just as important is the multiplier effect from the SAF's ability to network its array of systems and capabilities. When we first embarked on this networked SAF six or seven ago, it was quite difficult to explain to people what it is that we are trying to do. But I think now most people understand because they can see the power of the networks. Integrated Knowledge-Based Command and Control (IKC2) allows the SAF to create an overall fighting system more effective than the sum of its individual parts. For example, the Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicles is not just an Armoured Personnel Carrier. It has an on-board Battlefield Management System and connectivity with the soldiers who deploy from it. So it acts as a node for our soldiers to network with land and air platforms such as the Leopard Main Battle Tanks and Apache Helicopters. And even for simple tasks like enabling the soldiers to re-charge their batteries, it helps to maintain the network force and for them to remain present on the battlefield. This allows them to operate as an integrated, networked and more capable warfighting system.
Mr Palmer asked about the impact of Singapore's demographic trends on the SAF. The birth rate has fallen since 1997. At the same time, our enlistees are better educated. These resource trends were indeed among the reasons for embarking on the 3rd Generation SAF. By anticipating these trends and capitalising on them, MINDEF has made the necessary adaptions without compromising operational readiness by exploiting technology, using fewer people, and commercialising our logistics and support functions.
The improving educational profile of our population has proven to be an important advantage. Today's servicemen are better educated and adaptable, and hence better able to master new skills and operate more technologically complex systems. This has allowed us to proliferate systems such as light-weight UAVs and the Advanced Combat Man System down to our soldiers. This also allows the SAF to field more capable 3rd Generation platforms that require less manpower to operate. I went to visit some new designs for battlefield management systems for our armoured vehicles. What they have done is that they have gotten Polytechnic students to come in and play with the models that they have set up for the man-machine interface for the display and control systems in the fighting vehicle and this helps our engineers in the industry to design the system. Eventually, these Polytechnic students, when they join the SAF, will be operating these systems which they helped to design at the prototype stage. Our Formidable-class frigates are a good example of how we have been able to operate a capability with fewer people. It has a crew half of what many other navies need to operate a similar class of ship. And now other navies, including the US Navy, are just beginning to operate ships of this size and class with similar sizes of crew that we are now operating. MINDEF will continue to take stock of the challenges we face, and build on our strengths to find effective solutions to new challenges.
Sir, at the heart of our transformation efforts is our people, the key resource enabling us to realise our 3rd Generation transformation. We need to therefore attract, develop and retain people with the right set of values and abilities. This is an issue which Mr Palmer asked about. This House will be aware that MINDEF has put in place new and enhanced career schemes to enable us to do so. At the same time, to increase the professional depth of our servicemen and to facilitate life-long learning, we have strengthened our professional development and continuing education programmes. These efforts have been well received.
Conclusion
Dr Ng will now elaborate on these initiatives and also speak on the subjects of National Service and training safety which several members have asked about. Associate Professor Koo will later speak on the implementation of the RECORD V initiatives, and MINDEF’s efforts to reach out to and engage various segments of Singaporeans on defence issues, including Total Defence.
More Resources