In a recent interview, Singapore's Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing emphasized the nation's need for heightened vigilance amid global conflicts. He stated, "Today, we are not at war in the conventional sense, neither are we at peace in the conventional sense." The country engages daily with various threats across all its services. He noted that the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) and other government agencies handle thousands of cyber intrusion attempts daily, underscoring the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure. He also mentioned the continuous efforts to secure Singapore's airspace and territorial waters, with the air force responding to numerous cases annually and the navy conducting hundreds of boardings to ensure the safety of the Singapore Strait.
Addressing the evolving nature of threats, Minister Chan pointed out that while technologies like computer viruses and drones are not new, their application and intensity have changed. He emphasized the blurred lines between military and civilian use of these technologies and the need for decentralized security operations. The SAF's approach focuses on leveraging technology as a force multiplier and enhancing the quality of manpower and leadership within its ranks.
Regarding defense spending, Minister Chan stated that the SAF aims to spend prudently, ensuring sustainability and avoiding the "feast and famine" cycle. He mentioned that defense spending has hovered around 3% of Singapore's GDP, excluding security spending outside the Ministry of Defence, such as on the Home Team and cybersecurity. He also highlighted the importance of signaling intentions to prevent suspicion, noting that having capabilities without communication can lead to misunderstandings.
In terms of adopting new technologies, Minister Chan emphasized the SAF's cautious approach, focusing on tangible use cases and avoiding being caught up in technological fads. He acknowledged the challenges in predicting future threats and the necessity for the SAF to develop capabilities to counter them proactively. He also noted that many SAF projects are classified to maintain a strategic advantage, revealing capabilities only when appropriate.
Minister Chan's remarks underscore Singapore's commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture in an increasingly complex and unpredictable global security environment.