Assessment of Singapore's Defence Ecosystem's Competitiveness and Growth in Defence Export Value
Ministry of DefenceSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the assessment of Singapore's defence ecosystem's dynamism and export value growth, raised by MP Gerald Giam Yean Song. Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing responded that MINDEF and the SAF regularly review operational needs and incorporate lessons from global conflicts to develop technologies ahead of emerging threats. He highlighted collaborations with local defence players on unique projects, such as unmanned surface vessels and armoured fighting vehicles, though specific build-up plans are not always disclosed for deterrence. While some local companies have leveraged these experiences to develop solutions for overseas markets, the Ministry does not comment on commercial investments, exports, or sales. The government maintains a focus on tapping global and local industries to sustain equipment and capabilities essential for Singapore's unique defence requirements.
Transcript
7 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence (a) whether the Ministry assesses Singapore's defence ecosystem dynamism and agility in pivoting towards emerging demands; (b) if so, what is the current assessment and percentage increase in defence export value over five years; and (c) whether the Ministry is aware of any expansion by the local defence industry in manufacturing and research capacity amid global defence spending surge.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: The Ministry of Defence and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regularly review our operational needs and challenges, and strive to develop solutions, capabilities and technologies ahead of emerging threats. In doing so, we incorporate observations and lessons from global conflicts and developments. For obvious reasons, we do not always disclose all our capabilities or build-up plans, unless it is deemed useful for deterrence or operational purposes.
In developing, producing and sustaining equipment and capabilities for SAF, we tap on the global and local defence industries. In some cases, we work closely with local defence players to develop new solutions for our unique needs. Past examples include our Navy's unmanned surface vessels and our Army's armoured fighting vehicles and the Singapore Armed Forces Training Institute City's smart training facility.
From these experiences as well as their own efforts, some of our local companies have developed solutions and products for overseas markets. We do not comment on such commercial investments, exports and sales.