Data on Drone Incursions on Singapore's Aerodromes over Past Six Years and Impact on National Security
Ministry of TransportSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns drone incursions at Singapore's aerodromes and their impact on flight operations and national security over the past six years. Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked for data on these incidents, their consequences, and the effectiveness of the nation's counter-drone measures. Senior Parliamentary Secretary Jeffrey Siow stated that two incursions occurred at Changi Airport in 2019, leading to flight disruptions, but noted no national security threats or incidents at Seletar Airport. He detailed a multi-layered approach including a five-kilometre no-fly zone and educational outreach conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore. Finally, he emphasized inter-agency cooperation with the Singapore Police Force and Singapore Armed Forces to detect, identify, and neutralize unauthorized drones.
Transcript
68 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) in each of the past six years, how many drone incursions have occurred at Singapore's aerodromes; (b) how many resulted in flight disruptions or diversions; (c) whether any were found to be national security threats; (d) what actions were taken to counter these incursions; and (e) how effective are Singapore's current counter-drone capabilities in preventing and countering such incursions.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: To date, two drone incursions have occurred at Changi Airport – both took place in 2019 and resulted in flight delays and diversions. There was no evidence to suggest that these drone incursions were national security threats. There were no drone incursions at Seletar Airport over the past six years.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) adopts a multi-layered approach comprising regulations, education, and enforcement, to ensure the safe and responsible use of drones. For example, to ensure aviation safety around the aerodromes, CAAS has imposed a five-kilometre no-fly zone for drones around each of Singapore's aerodromes and works with the Citizens' Consultative Committees in nearby areas to educate residents on the no-fly zones. CAAS also works closely with the airport operator and other Government agencies, such as the Singapore Police Force, Singapore Armed Forces, Defence Science and Technology Agency and Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore to promptly detect, identify and neutralise unlawful drones.