Written Reply by Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing Regarding Extending Drone Operation Training to All New NS Enlistees

Mr Lee Hong Chuang asked the Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence (a) how does the Ministry intend to extend drone operation training to all new enlistees, including both combat-fit and non-combat-fit recruits, to maximise operational versatility across vocations; (b) how does the Ministry plan to upskill current Full-time National Servicemen and Operationally Ready National Servicemen in drone operations, particularly those who may not have received such training.

Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing:

The Singapore Armed Forces plans to train all service-fit recruits to operate and counter drones. After Basic Military Training, they will continue to hone these competencies during their full-time national service, in both our leadership schools and Army units.

Drone training will also be progressively rolled out for Operationally Ready National Servicemen. The first National Service units will start operating with drones during their in-camp trainings from mid-2026.