Senior Minister of State for Defence Expresses Confidence in Singapore Army's Standby Force

Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Ong Ye Kung interacting with soldiers during his visit to the Army's Standby Force activation exercise at Amoy Quee Camp this morning.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) demonstrated its high state of operational readiness this morning as Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Ong Ye Kung observed the Army's Standby Force undergo an activation exercise at Amoy Quee Camp. Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (2 SIR) displayed their ability to rapidly deploy as they responded to a simulated incursion in Singapore.

Speaking after his visit, Mr Ong lauded the activation as a reflection of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)'s operational readiness. He said, "What you see today is a sample of what we can do and how we are getting ready to protect ourselves against terrorist threats and other threats. Over the years, the SAF has built itself into a strong defence force, capable of handling external enemies or terrorists." Mr Ong added, "The SAF's first and foremost priority is to safeguard Singapore, the safety and security of Singapore. Of course there are demands on us to do other things, but this is our priority and that must be the principle on which we operate on."

The Army's Standby Force comprise units from across the various vocations including armour and artillery units, with capabilities such as the Leopard 2SG Main Battle Tanks and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). It stands ready at all times to respond swiftly to any threats to Singapore's security.

During his visit, Mr Ong observed how soldiers prepared their equipment as part of the force activation exercise.

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• Senior Minister of State for Defence confident of SAF's readiness