Second Minister for Defence Mr Ong Ye Kung visited the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Command at Murai Camp this morning. At the visit hosted by Commander UAV Command, Colonel Lau Boon Ping, Mr Ong was briefed on the roles and capabilities of the RSAF's UAVs, observed a live flight of the Heron-1 and had a hands-on experience on the UAV training simulators. Mr Ong also interacted with RSAF personnel and thanked them for their dedication and commitment to the defence of Singapore.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Ong highlighted the role that UAVs play in counter-terrorism operations. He said, "I witnessed how our UAVs play a significant role in enhancing the RSAF's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. With their advanced imaging sensors, long endurance and ability to conduct wide-area surveillance, the UAVs deliver a real-time, bird's-eye view of the battlefield. This greatly increases the situational awareness of our ground forces to conduct their operations, and also enhances the decision making process for our commanders. Such capabilities make the UAVs a critical asset of the RSAF, especially in counter-terrorism operations."

On the UAV Command's contributions in ensuring peace and security abroad and at home, Mr Ong said, "Our UAVs have been deployed to Afghanistan to assist in the global fight against terrorism and contribute to the reconstruction of Afghanistan. At home, the terrorism threat facing Singapore today is at its highest in recent years. I am appreciative of the efforts by the servicemen and women in the UAV Command who train regularly with our homeland security agencies, and take part in Whole-of-Government counter-terrorism exercises to keep Singapore safe.

Inaugurated in 2007, the UAV Command is responsible for the development of unmanned systems for the SAF, as well as training for its operators to ensure a high level of operational readiness. In 2010, the UAVs were deployed, as part of SAF's contributions for the reconstruction and stabilisation efforts in Afghanistan, under Operation Blue Ridge. The UAV Command is also involved in homeland security exercises such as Exercise Highcrest, Exercise Northstar and Exercise Quicksilver, as well as multilateral exercises such as the ADMM-Plus Counter-Terrorism exercise.