SAF Day Message 2018

The founding generation of independent Singapore believed that a strong defence was necessary to deter aggression against this nation. Their experiences forged under colonial rule, through the Japanese Occupation and Konfrontasi, convinced them that we could not depend on others to defend our country. The peace and stability had to be purchased by Singaporeans ourselves being fully committed to defend our island home, to pay any price to maintain Singapore's independence and sovereignty and with constant vigilance against potential threats. This abiding belief holds true, more than 50 years after the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) formation. These truisms were also in full display recently when the SAF was tasked to protect the Trump-Kim Singapore Summit against external threats, even as the Home Team secured our homeland. 

That the SAF succeeded in this mission was not happenstance. As the historic summit took place, SAF soldiers and platforms for air, land and sea formed a protective dome around Sentosa Island. Munitions were loaded, ready to be fired. Both Regulars and National Servicemen were deployed. Special Forces were positioned at discreet points on Sentosa, alert and ready to act. Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosives (CBRE) teams conducted bomb sweeps and 2PDF soldiers watched over key areas on the mainland. The Apache helicopters, with their 30mm guns, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) patrolled the skies as the Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs) and Missile Corvettes (MCVs) with live missiles secured the sea lanes south of the island. An array of Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems were stood up against aerial threats. High above all this, our fighter jets and G550 early warning aircraft circled like vigilant eagles. It was as clear and visible a sign as any to potential aggressors to stay away, as any attempt to threaten the safety of the summit would be dealt with decisively with nothing held back. Singaporeans and indeed the world knew that such highly visible meetings could attract mischief and even mayhem, especially from terrorists. But the stout defence by the SAF and the Home Team deterred such actors. So even though the time and place of the summit was made known in advance to the world, no security threats surfaced.

Singaporeans can take pride that our steady investments over the years into building a defence capability have paid off. Today, we have that confidence that the SAF can be called upon to defend Singapore and keep Singaporeans safe. That confidence arises not only because of modern armaments and platforms, but most importantly because SAF soldiers, mainly NSmen, are ready and prepared to defend our peace and way of life.

This SAF Day, I ask all Singaporeans to continue in their unwavering resolve and support to build a strong defence for Singapore. I also want to remind all SAF commanders that care for their soldiers' well-being must be their paramount concern during peace time. Train your men well but do it safely. Above all, never abuse your authority but earn their respect with your integrity and professionalism.  

I thank all SAF men and women for your contributions to our country's defence. For every generation, the SAF is the ultimate guarantor of our security and independence. 

Majulah Singapura and Happy SAF Day.

Dr Ng Eng Hen
Minister for Defence