SINGAPORE – The world is growing more uncertain, and Singapore cannot afford to let its guard down. Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing warned that global conflicts could have unexpected consequences for the nation, possibly making it “collateral in other people’s fight.” He emphasised the need for greater vigilance across Singapore’s various sectors and public spaces.
Each day, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) faces a complex web of threats. These challenges touch all four branches — Army, Navy, Air Force, and Digital Intelligence. Soldiers, sailors, airmen, and cyber defenders are constantly adapting, watching for dangers that could emerge from anywhere.
Minister Chan painted a picture of uneasy times. “Today, we are not at war in the conventional sense, neither are we at peace in the conventional sense,” he told reporters on June 25. In this grey zone between war and peace, Singapore must be ready for anything.
As tensions simmer abroad, the minister’s words serve as a reminder. The nation’s safety depends on staying alert, prepared, and united — no matter how distant the world’s troubles may seem.
“We are constantly working in a space that isn’t just black or white, but filled with countless shades in between. Every day brings new challenges, each with its level of complexity. That’s what keeps us alert and ready for anything,” Mr Chan explained.
He shared how the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS), along with other government agencies, must face thousands of cyber intrusion attempts daily. These relentless attacks target Singapore’s digital infrastructure, continually testing the nation’s defences. The origins of these threats often remain shrouded in secrecy — Mr Chan did not reveal who was behind them.
“Sometimes, it’s just individuals messing around, probing our systems out of curiosity or mischief,” he continued. “But more often than not, we suspect there are serious actors involved — people with intent to do harm or steal sensitive information.”
This constant state of vigilance means the teams can never let their guard down. Each day presents a new puzzle to solve, a new threat to counter. And it is this ever-shifting landscape that keeps everyone on their toes, always ready for the next challenge.
There are ongoing efforts to maintain the safety of Singapore’s airspace and territorial waters. The work never stops, day or night.
Mr Chan explained that the Republic of Singapore Air Force is constantly on alert. Every year, they respond to hundreds of incidents involving unknown aircraft or suspicious activity. Sometimes, this means fighter jets and other air defence assets must be scrambled at a moment’s notice. Crews race to their stations, ready to intercept and identify any potential threats before they come too close.
The Navy faces similar challenges at sea. Patrol vessels and maritime security teams are always vigilant, scanning the waters for unauthorised ships or suspicious boats. Mr Chan, who once served as the Chief of Army, knows firsthand how much dedication and training it takes to keep Singapore safe.
Whether in the sky or on the waves, the job is relentless — but the men and women of Singapore’s armed forces remain committed to defending their homeland.
Every day, hundreds — sometimes even thousands — of ships pass through the narrow Singapore Strait. Each vessel represents a potential risk, so teams must constantly board and inspect them. These checks are critical to ensure the waters remain safe from threat actors who might exploit this busy passage.
But the challenges do not end at sea. In the information sphere, another battle rages. Here, different groups work tirelessly to influence how Singaporeans think and feel. They use subtle messages and targeted campaigns to shape public opinion, sometimes striking directly at Singapore, other times making the country an unintended target.
The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) is always on guard against these information operations. Whether the attacks are deliberate or Singapore becomes collateral damage, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) treats every attempt seriously. For them, the safety of the strait and the minds of its people are both vital fronts in an ongoing struggle.
Mr Chan addressed the media at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Bukit Gombak. It was just days before SAF Day on July 1, and the atmosphere was tense. Global unrest had been mounting, with conflicts intensifying in the Middle East.
He spoke gravely about the escalating situation between Iran and Israel. Recent events have seen not only direct clashes but also the United States launching airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. The world was watching with unease.
Mr Chan warned that Iran’s response might be far-reaching. Retaliation could extend beyond American or Israeli targets. He emphasised that no country should assume it is out of harm’s way.
As he stood before reporters, his message was clear. In today’s interconnected world, distant conflicts can have ripple effects closer to home. The security landscape was changing, and Singapore needed to stay vigilant.
“It could be anywhere else,” Mr. Chan remarked, his voice tinged with concern. He explained that conflicts like these have the potential to ignite strong emotions throughout the region. If not managed carefully, these heightened feelings could escalate and spill over into acts of terrorism.
Mr. Chan emphasised that the security risks are now much more complex than before. Today’s threats are no longer limited to traditional forms of terrorism. They have evolved, reaching into new and unpredictable areas.
He pointed out that cyberspace has become a fresh battleground. Hackers and extremist groups are finding ways to exploit digital vulnerabilities, spreading fear and misinformation at an alarming rate. The consequences of such attacks can ripple far beyond national borders.
Because of this, Mr. Chan warned, security agencies must stay vigilant and adapt quickly. The landscape is changing, and the dangers are growing more sophisticated with each passing day.
He explained that technologies like computer viruses and drones have existed for years. But now, the ways they are used — and the scale at which they are deployed — have changed dramatically. Drones, once limited to surveillance or hobbyists, can now deliver precise attacks or gather real-time intelligence on the battlefield. Computer viruses, too, have evolved from simple nuisances to powerful tools capable of crippling entire networks.
He went on to say that the distinction between military and civilian applications of these technologies has become increasingly unclear. Drones used for agriculture or filmmaking can be quickly adapted for reconnaissance or even weaponised missions. Similarly, software developed for commercial purposes can be repurposed for cyberwarfare.
Looking ahead, he observed that security operations will shift away from large, centralised forces. Instead, troops will operate in smaller, more agile units, capable of responding quickly and independently. This decentralisation will require new strategies, new training, and continuous adaptation to technological advances.
In this evolving landscape, both opportunity and risk are growing side by side.
This, Mr Chan explained, taps directly into the SAF’s greatest strengths.
Since Singapore’s independence in 1965, the Singapore Armed Forces has never counted on sheer troop numbers to defend the nation. Instead, it has focused on harnessing cutting-edge technology as a force multiplier. This strategy has enabled a relatively small military to punch above its weight, remaining agile and effective despite a limited workforce.
Mr Chan pointed out that this approach is now more relevant than ever. Around the world, new generations of advanced technology are emerging at a rapid pace — think artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and sophisticated surveillance tools. These innovations hold tremendous potential for enhancing the SAF’s operational capabilities.
Looking ahead, Mr Chan believes that these technological advancements will enable the SAF to amplify its staffing further. In other words, with more innovative tools and systems, each soldier will be able to do even more. The SAF’s longstanding focus on innovation ensures that it will continue to stay ahead, safeguarding Singapore’s security in an increasingly complex world.
Another strength lies in the calibre of people and leaders within the SAF, he explained. Mr Chan noted that some critics argue that having full-time national servicemen (NSFs) and operationally ready national service members (NSmen) puts the SAF at a disadvantage.
He disagrees. To him, the SAF’s reliance on NSFs and NSmen is actually a unique advantage.
By drawing from all walks of life, the SAF can tap into a vast pool of talent and perspectives. Young Singaporeans, fresh from school or work, bring new ideas and energy to their units. Experienced NSmen return each year, sharing insights from their civilian careers and applying them to the military challenges they face.
This diversity means the SAF is not just run by professional soldiers but by a cross-section of society. They participate in designing, operating, and improving complex systems together.
In Mr Chan’s view, this blend of backgrounds creates stronger teams and better solutions. It ensures the SAF remains adaptable and connected to the nation it protects.
Mr Chan shared his perspective on how the SAF is able to function with greater decentralisation than before. According to him, this shift opens up a wider range of leadership roles for different groups within the armed forces. He emphasised that this isn’t simply about sending more soldiers through formal leadership training courses. Instead, it’s about fostering leadership at multiple tiers throughout the organisation, and creating more chances for many full-time national servicemen (NSFs) to step up and take on such responsibilities.
To illustrate his point, Mr Chan highlighted an example from the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS), which is the newest branch within the SAF. Unlike traditional army companies, which typically operate with around 100 personnel, DIS teams can be as small as three to five people. In these compact teams, every member must be prepared to assume a leadership role due to the advanced technologies they employ and the critical functions they perform.
He explained, “Every one of them must be able to take on leadership because of the technology that they are using and applying.”
As Singapore’s defence landscape evolves, Mr Chan also addressed the issue of prudent spending. He assured that the SAF remains committed to investing wisely, choosing areas where expenditure delivers significant value, rather than focusing solely on hitting specific budget targets. The goal, he stressed, is to maintain spending at sustainable levels, acknowledging that developing new capabilities is a long-term process.
“What we want to avoid,” he said, “is what we call the ‘feast and famine’ cycle — buying a lot when funds are plentiful and then struggling to keep those assets running later on. That’s not the way to get the most out of our defence budget.”
Over recent years, Singapore’s defence expenditure has remained steady, typically accounting for about 3 per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Mr Chan pointed out. He noted that this figure does not include security expenses outside of the Ministry of Defence, such as those allocated to the Home Team or for cybersecurity purposes.
The minister’s remarks came in response to a question regarding whether Singapore’s current defence spending is adequate given increasing global security challenges. There have been calls in the region for nations to bolster their military budgets. For instance, during the Shangri-La Dialogue held in May, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth urged American allies in the Indo-Pacific region to raise their defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP.
In conclusion, Mr Chan’s comments painted a picture of an SAF that is both forward-thinking and judicious — willing to decentralise command and empower its people, while also carefully stewarding its resources to ensure long-term strength and readiness.
When Mr Chan spoke about the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), he reflected on how fortunate the organisation has been to enjoy consistent backing from both the public and political leaders, allowing it to allocate as much as 6 per cent of the nation’s GDP towards defence. This steadfast support, he noted, has enabled the SAF to remain robust and responsive to changing needs.
He went on to explain that, as warfare evolves, certain aspects of defence will inevitably demand greater investment. The nature of conflict is shifting, he observed, and the SAF must adapt accordingly. However, Mr Chan also pointed out that this new landscape brings with it opportunities to explore innovative, cost-effective solutions that can supplement existing capabilities. “We’re always seeking new, more affordable ways to enhance our forces without compromising on what’s essential,” he said, emphasising a commitment to progress along this path.
Recent discussions have highlighted the SAF’s intention to expand its use of advanced technologies, such as drones and modern weaponry, in response to emerging threats. In the same vein, Prime Minister Wong has described a powerful SAF as Singapore’s ultimate safeguard — its most crucial form of insurance.
Delving into the topic of technological adoption, Mr Chan explained that the SAF takes a discerning approach to integrating new tools, such as artificial intelligence. Rather than jumping on every trend, the organisation carefully evaluates each technology, considering how it can be practically applied to serve specific operational needs. “It’s not about adopting technology for its own sake,” he remarked. “We focus on real-world applications that directly benefit our mission.”
The SAF keeps a close watch on shifts in the character of warfare, including increased reliance on drones and the growing prevalence of cyber attacks. Yet, Mr Chan acknowledged that one of the most significant challenges lies in anticipating the threats of tomorrow — those not yet fully visible on today’s horizon. Preparing for these unknowns requires foresight: putting in place initiatives that develop new capabilities ahead of time so that when these threats do surface, the SAF is ready to respond decisively.
Significantly, Mr Chan stressed that changes in leadership do not drive the development of new defence strategies and technologies. The evolution of the SAF is a continuous process, building upon foundations laid by previous generations. He recently assumed his current role after Dr Ng Eng Hen’s long tenure as Defence Minister. Still, many of the capabilities in place today were initiated during or even before his period as Chief of Army from 2010 to 2011.
Much of this work, he noted, happens behind closed doors. The classified nature of many SAF projects is intentional — it ensures Singapore remains a step ahead in an unpredictable world. “We don’t announce everything we’re working on,” Mr Chan concluded. “But at the right moment, we’ll share those developments with the public.”
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