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SINGAPORE AND ITS USE OF DETERRENCE

SINGAPORE AND ITS USE OF DETERRENCE. A CITIZEN ARMED FORCES After separation in 1965, Sgp was faced with the challenge of raising a defence force We could not afford a large professional army given our population of less than 2 million then Manpower was also needed in factories and industries

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SINGAPORE AND ITS USE OF DETERRENCE

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  1. SINGAPORE AND ITS USE OF DETERRENCE A CITIZEN ARMED FORCES • After separation in 1965, Sgp was faced with the challenge of raising a defence force • We could not afford a large professional army given our population of less than 2 million then • Manpower was also needed in factories and industries • We did not have the finances to support a professional army anyway

  2. SINGAPORE AND ITS USE OF DETERRENCE A CITIZEN ARMED FORCES • Dr Goh Keng Swee was given the task of creating a competent defence force • 1967 : National Service (NS) was introduced • All 18-year-old able-bodied male citizens were called up for part-time or full-time NS • These citizen soldiers were trained and commanded by a small regular force

  3. SINGAPORE AND ITS USE OF DETERRENCE A CITIZEN ARMED FORCES • For Sgp, NS play a significant role in nation building • Through it, Singaporeans learn to defend our country • NS training is a good way of bonding together – common experience during training • Develop a sense of loyalty, patriotism and a shared destiny

  4. SINGAPORE AND ITS USE OF DETERRENCE A CITIZEN ARMED FORCES • Upon completion of full-time NS, the men undergo training for 13 years for a maximum of 40 days a year • Refresher training : To maintain competence in handling new weapons and equipment, to learn new tactics of war • Ensures that they are ready to defend Singapore at ALL times • Through NS, an effective SAF is produced despite our small size and population

  5. SINGAPORE AND ITS USE OF DETERRENCE A CITIZEN ARMED FORCES • 1965 : 50 officers, 1,000 men and 2 small naval vessels • Today : The Army, the RSAF and the RSN • Singapore needed time to build an armed force strong enough to preserve our independence and ensure our survival • 1965 to 82 : Concentrated on military defence • 1983 : Civil Defence included • 1984 : Total Defence part of defence policy

  6. SINGAPORE AND ITS USE OF DETERRENCE TOTAL DEFENCE (TD) • Readiness to defend its independence and survival is vital to any independent country • Modern wars involve the entire population • Sgp prepares its citizens for its defence and security • Through TD, the whole population has a part to play in ensuring Sgp’s security

  7. SINGAPORE AND ITS USE OF DETERRENCE TOTAL DEFENCE (TD) • This deters potential aggressors as all Singaporeans are prepared for defence in all areas • Any potential enemy will have to take on the SAF as well as the entire population • We hope this will deter the enemy • TD is therefore part of our self-reliance

  8. SINGAPORE AND ITS USE OF DETERRENCE SINGAPORE’S DEFENCE INDUSTRIES • Why our own defence industries? • To design weapons and military equipment suited to our own needs • Our soldiers will then be able to fight more efficiently and effectively • In the early years, Sgp faced a shortage of equipment and weapons • Had to wait a long time for weapons to arrive • Many were unsuitable for Sgp’s needs

  9. SINGAPORE AND ITS USE OF DETERRENCE SINGAPORE’S DEFENCE INDUSTRIES • Why our own defence industries? • Countries unwilling to share defence technology • Eg Electronic warfare • Involves building an electronic shield around aircraft, ships and fighting vehicles to protect them from incoming threats • We have to develop our own defence technology

  10. SINGAPORE AND ITS USE OF DETERRENCE SINGAPORE’S DEFENCE INDUSTRIES • SDI made up of a few companies eg DTG (Defence Technology Group) • Responsible for building up the fighting capabilities of the SAF • Maintenance of weapon systems and equipment in the best possible conditions • Also produce essential supplies of ammunition • All these help to ensure that SAF is ready to defend Sgp at ALL times • SDI enabled Sgp to overcome its problems through innovations

  11. SINGAPORE AND ITS USE OF DETERRENCE SINGAPORE’S DEFENCE INDUSTRIES • SDI able to modify and upgrade the performance of weapons and military equipment • SAF upgrades its existing equipment if it is cost-effective • Eg A-4 Skyhawks upgraded with new and more powerful engines • To be an effective fighting force, the armed forces must use the latest technology andf equipment • SDI helps SAF to be self-reliant in essential defence weapons and equipment

  12. SINGAPORE AND ITS USE OF DETERRENCE MILITARY CO-OPERATION • Sgp fosters friendly ties with armed forces of other countries • Shortage of suitable training areas - Sgp makes training arrangements with friendly countries • Bilateral and multilateral defence exercises • Involves training and interacting with armed forces of participating countries • Sgp troops train in the jungles, make battle plans and practise on the seas during defence exercises

  13. SINGAPORE AND ITS USE OF DETERRENCE Bilateral Defence Exercises and Training • Sgp conducts exercises with ASEAN countries, Australia, NZ, India, Taiwan and USA • Increases co-operation and strengthens ties among participating countries • Australia – offers vast areas of open land for the training of the RSAF • RSAF operates a Jet Flying Training School in Western Australia • Aug 1998 – RSAF set up new training facility in Queensland • Australia agreed to allow RSAF to train there for 15 years • RSAF pilots, air crew and maintenance specialists will hone their skills as they will be exercising in an area 10 times the size of Singapore

  14. SINGAPORE AND ITS USE OF DETERRENCE Armour training in Australia

  15. SINGAPORE AND ITS USE OF DETERRENCE Multilateral Defence Exercises • FPDA (Five Power Defence Arrangements) • Formed in 1971 to preserve peace in the region • In the event of an external threat to Singapore or Malaysia, the members are to consult one another on the appropriate measures to be taken • Could be carried out jointly or separately • Although Sgp’s defence capabilities have improved since the 1970s, FPDA continues to be relevant HMNZS Te Kaha sailing from Devonport Naval Base for ports in the South West Pacific and South East Asia, as part of New Zealand's annual contribution to the Five Power Defence Arrangement.

  16. SINGAPORE AND ITS USE OF DETERRENCE CONCLUSION • Diplomacy and deterrence has made Singapore confident of meeting any threats to its independence • Poison shrimp? Puffer fish? • Building a strong defence requires the commitment of the people and government • It is also costly • We can finance our defence only if Singapore develops its economy and is financially sound • The next chapter will see how we do this

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