Military co-operation with other countries

Singapore actively foster friendly ties with the armed force of other countries. This is conducted through bilateral and multilateral military agreements, joint military exercises, training programmes and participation in the UN peace missions

Bilateral Military Agreements

Singapore has bilateral military agreements with countries like France, Australia, New Zealand, India etc. to allow troops from Singapore to have trainings in their countries. Singapore also conducts regular military training with countries like Malaysia, Indonesia etc. All these training programmes increase the cooperation between countries as well as to strengthen the ties between the countries

 

Multilateral Military Agreements

One of the multilateral military agreements and exercise Singapore is involved in is the Five Power Defence Arrangements(FPDA). This is established in 1971 and the members involved are Singapore, Malaysia, UK, Australia and New Zealand.

These 5 countries conduct exercises annually to enhance their cooperation and coordination. When there is an external threat against any of these countries, everyone will discuss on the appropriate measures that can be taken to deter the aggressors

Multi-agency coordination on security

The NSCS(National Security Coordination Secretariat) was set up to coordinate the work of the Ministry of Defence, Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs

This close networking and coordination among the various ministries further strengthen Singapore's national security. The NSCS meets up regularly to plan for strategies and policies regarding national security. It also collaborate with commercial and private parties to effectively fight any form of threats. This coordinated security approach is to prevent, protect and respond effectively to any threats by sharing intelligence and resources amongst the different government agencies. 

Total Defence

Total Defence was introduced in 1984. It makes everyone be involved in the defence of the country. Total defence is effective only if every Singaporeans believe that Singapore is worth defending and everyone plays a part. This makes potential aggressors think twice about attacking Singapore if they know that they will face the entire Singapore and not just the armed force

Total defence consist of civil defence, economic defence, social defence and psychological defence

Civil Defence is to know what to do during civil emergencies and to be cautious and alert all the time. Example, on the 15th of March 1986, the 6 storey tall Hotel New World Collapse suddenly. Hundreds of people from the Singapore Civil Defence Force and trained Singaporean volunteers collaborated to save people trapped in the building. Many volunteers came to help. The rescue effort saved 17 people.

Economic Defence is to build a strong economy that will not break down during war time. It is also to have the useful skills to stay employable in this swift developing world. Example, the Singapore Workforce Development Agency is formed in 2003. It works with other agencies like labour unions and professional associations to support the growth of industries as well as to upgrade the skills of workers.

Social Defence is to make Singaporeans, regardless of their race or religion, to live and work harmoniously. and to help fellow Singaporeans. Example, various community groups and organisations are actively involved strengthening social ties. They do this through activities like emergency preparedness exercises, visits to places of worship of different faiths, inter-faith dialogues and workshops etc. This ensures that the unity in Singaporeans will not be broken during situations like terrorist attacks

Psychological Defence is to be loyal and committed to Singapore, having pride in Singapore and to have the will and mental strength to overcome any challenges. Example, in 2003, during the SARS(Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) period, it was evident that there is psychological defence as everyone tried to overcome the challenge of SARS and believed in Singapore.

 

Singapore's Defence Industry

Singapore builds up its own defence industry to enable the Singapore Armed Force to be self-reliant in important defence weapons and equipment as well as to provide the latest warfare technology and equipment to ensure that the army becomes an effective fighting force.
The defence industry was set up in 1967. when the Chartered Industries of Singapore was started to make small arms ammunition. Chartered Industries of Singaporehas already developed into a successful defence company in the region with subsidiaries like SembCrop Industries and SembCorp Logistics.
The Defence Science and Technology Agency was formed in 2000 to give cost-effective and modern technology to the Singapore Armed Force and the Ministry of Defence. I focuses on buying, developing and upgrading weapons for Singapore Armed Force's use. The Defence Science and Technology Agency also conducts defence-related research and development activities with other countries and with local tertiary institutions
The defence industry enhances the capability and effectiveness of the Singapore Armed Force. It has enabled Singapore to develop into a powerful defence force. By building up a defence industry, it enables Singapore to overcome its constraints through its own innovations
The defence industry reduces the Singapore's Armed Force's dependence on foreign arms suppliers because other countries may not be willing to share their defence technology. The defence industry also designs and manufactures defence weapon system and military equipment which make sure that soldiers can fight efficiently and effectively. The defence industry modifies and upgrades weapon systems to make them more useful and suitable for its defence needs as well as to help the Singapore Armed Force maintain their weapon and equipment

Third Generation Singapore Armed Forces

Warfare has become more complex with the recent advance in info-communication technology. Therefore, it is important for the Singapore Armed Force to consistently enhance its capability and review its method of warfare through research and development.
Singapore Armed Force started a project with the research institutes of the Ministry of Defence and local universities to develop the third generation Singapore Armed Force. The third generation Singapore Armed Force works towards maximising defensive capabilities through modern technology. It also teaches soldiers to fight precisely in war and respond flexibly in peacetime.
The target of the third Generation Armed Force is to make an intelligent defence force where surveillance and strike systems of the Air Force, Navy and Army cooperate to give early intelligence which help us kill the enemies before they find us.

Citizen Armed Force

Singapore is not rich enough to hire a professional army in 1965. The population of less than 2 million that time was needed in the workforce to develop the economy and manpower was limited. Therefore, the government decided to build a citizen armed force through enlisting able-bodied men into the army.
In 1967, National Service was introduced. All able-bodied men were called up to serve full-time National Service. Through National Service, Singaporeans learn to defend Singapore. They also help Singaporeans bond as they share a common experience and hardships during their training. This bonding helps develop in the men a sense of loyalty, patriotism and a shared destiny for Singapore. After the men completed their full-time National Service, they will continue serving in the citizen armed force as Operationally Ready NS men for another 10 years for a maximum of 40 days annually. During their training, they continue to undergo and attend refresher courses to maintain their competence in handling new weapons and equipment. They also learn new strategies of war. The Singapore Armed Force today consists of the army, the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Navy